Delta College values the insight and expertise of industry professionals, alumni, and students in shaping our programs. By working collaboratively with college faculty and staff, advisory committee members provide meaningful input that help guide program goals, curriculum development and future planning. Advisory Committees serve as important partners, bringing real-world perspectives and experience that strengthen our decision-making and complement other sources of information.
Advisory committee requirements
Federal career and technical education legislation, administered through the Michigan Department of Education, requires educational institutions to establish Advisory Committees for occupational programs. These local Advisory Committees should include a diverse group of representatives from business, industry, and the broader community to ensure programs remain relevant, responsive, and aligned with workforce needs.
Advisory committees follow Delta College's mission, vision and values.
Qualifications
Advisory Committee members are selected based on their professional expertise, experience, and demonstrated knowledge in their field. Their skills and perspectives help ensure programs reflect current industry practices and workforce needs.
Representation
Advisory Committee membership is designed to reflect a broad range of perspectives to support program quality and workforce alignment. Members are selected to represent:
- Geographic areas within Bay, Midland and Saginaw counties, while also welcoming participation from outside the Tri-County region when appropriate.
- A variety of roles across business, industry and labor sectors.
- Partners from Intermediate School Districts, workforce or employment service agencies, career centers and other secondary education professionals.
- Current student representatives.
- Recent program graduates.
- Government representatives, when applicable.
- Members of relevant local or state professional organizations.
- Representatives from transfer colleges or universities.
Community representation on the advisory committee typically includes approximately sixteen members.
Delta College participants generally include the Dean of Occupational Programs and Workforce Strategies, the Associate Dean of the appropriate division, the Program Coordinator, full-time faculty representatives, adjunct faculty (as appropriate), counseling representatives supporting students and the Director of Workforce Strategies.
Term of service
Advisory committee membership is initiated through the Dean of Occupational Programs and Workforce Strategies and formally appointed by the Delta College President. Members typically serve three-year terms, which provide continuity while also allowing for new perspectives over time.
At the conclusion of a term, membership may be renewed by mutual agreement between the committee member and the Dean of Occupational Programs and Workforce Strategies.
Meeting facilitation
Advisory committee meetings are typically facilitated by the program coordinator and/or the advisory committee co-chair. The associate dean of the program or the Dean of Occupational Programs and Workforce Strategies may also serve in this role as appropriate.
Steps in the selection process
Advisory Committee members may be nominated by current committee members, faculty or college leadership. Program coordinators may also invite prospective members to attend a meeting as guests prior to making a commitment to serve.
All nominations are reviewed and approved by the program coordinator and/or the associate dean of the program to ensure alignment with committee needs and representation goals.
Once approved, prospective members will receive an advisory committee handbook and welcome materials outlining roles, responsibilities, and expectations. These materials are provided digitally through the Office of the Dean of Occupational Programs and Workforce Strategies.
Membership is confirmed after the candidate submits a digital acknowledgment to the Office of the Dean of Occupational Programs and Workforce Strategies indicating they have reviewed the materials and agree to serve.
Responsibilities of the advisory committee
Advisory committee members play an important role in supporting program quality, relevance and alignment with workforce needs. Key responsibilities include:
Program and industry connection
Serve as a liaison between Delta College and business, industry and the broader community by sharing information about programs and helping strengthen partnerships. Advisory members support community awareness and understanding of Delta College occupational programs.
Knowledge, skills and program review
Provide guidance on the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed for entry-level employment in the field. The committee will review the occupational program at least annually. Program outcomes and assessment data will be shared with the committee, and members will offer recommendations for improvements or updates as needed.
Employment trends and workforce outlook
Review labor market information and employment trends and provide input on potential program enhancements, modifications or new opportunities to ensure alignment with workforce demand.
Communication and collaboration
Maintain ongoing communication with Delta College faculty and staff to support continuous program improvement and strong partnerships between the college and industry.
Equipment and facilities
Provide recommendations regarding equipment, technology and facilities to help ensure students are learning with tools and environments that reflect current industry standards. When possible, members may also assist in identifying resources or partnership opportunities.
Experiential learning opportunities
Help connect Delta College with industry and community partners to expand experiential learning opportunities, such as work-based learning, site visits and engagement with professionals. These experiences enhance student learning by providing real-world context, career insight and exposure to current industry practices.
Responsibilities of Delta College
Delta College is committed to supporting Advisory Committee members by providing the information, coordination, and resources needed for effective participation. Responsibilities include:
Materials and information
Provide members with relevant materials, including the Advisory Committee welcome packet and handbook, membership lists, curriculum information (program guides and outcomes), enrollment and completion data, labor market information and other program-related data as appropriate.
Meetings
Schedule and coordinate a minimum of one Advisory Committee meeting annually. Meetings may be held in person, virtually or in a blended format, depending on committee needs and preferences.
Communication and coordination
Prepare and distribute meeting schedules, membership lists, agendas, and supporting materials in advance of meetings. Meeting summaries or minutes will be shared following each meeting to document discussion, recommendations and action items.
Responsibilities of advisory committee members
Advisory Committee members and college representatives share responsibility for supporting productive meetings and meaningful program input.
Community and industry members
Community Members contribute by:
- Confirming attendance (RSVP) for scheduled meetings.
- Recommending agenda topics or items for discussion prior to meetings and, when appropriate, during meetings.
- Attending meetings regularly.
- Actively participating in discussions and providing feedback, recommendations, and industry perspectives.
College representatives
(Dean of Occupational Programs and Workforce Strategies, Associate Dean, Program Coordinator)
College representatives support the committee by:
- Assisting in the development of meeting agendas and supporting materials.
- Following up on action items and recommendations between meetings.
- Identifying and inviting current student representatives to participate when appropriate.
- Attending meetings and actively engaging in committee discussions.
