Strategic Plan 2004 - 2008

Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities & Threats (SWOT) Analysis

All DTC full-time employees participated in the college-wide SWOT analysis. The major findings of the analysis are summarized below.

Assets/Strengths Analysis
The most frequently cited strengths of DTC are presented below and grouped by themes that emerged in the Focus Groups. 

The Strengths and Assets Themes
Assets are those areas in which we are performing well.
We build on strengths as we move toward our future.

Planning and Action
Observations: In recent years, we have begun to take action in some of the areas where we are weak. Our planning process helps to set goals and monitor progress for improvement. We have a strong focus on continual self-evaluation at the unit and program level. That process allows us to learn and take action to improve. We work to meet the needs of the community. Our programs are flexible to re-invent the course content, as we are able to adapt to react and anticipate change in the community and job market.

Relationships with Key Stakeholder Groups
Observations: One of our assets is our ability to respond to changing trends and customer demands with specialized coursework or degrees. We try to keep connected with business. We have the ability to react to business needs quickly (ex: if a particular employer has needs within a particular area, we can develop a certificate, or shorter program). Our streamlined programs meet business needs to some degree. We need to continue to improve our flexibility in meeting employer needs. The effort that the College puts into collaboration with state agencies, local entities, and others helps to build our reputation and provide outreach to students who can’t access other location for classes. Our advisory committee mechanism gives us this feedback and input, but needs to be strengthened in some program areas.

Finance and Budget
Observations: Our tuition is affordable, and financial aid is available for students. Our affordability is an asset. We must seek grant and other funding for enhancing programs and services.

Faculty and Staff
Observations: In our midst are people who think outside the box and who are positive, energetic, and dedicated. We have a few visionary administrators on our campuses that are striving to look for ways to improve, ask for input, and take action. There is a developing sense of hope for a better future of the College. The diverse background of personnel and acceptance of different cultures also makes us strong. Overall, our faculty and staff desire to teach and try to treat our students with respect. Our student centeredness, teamwork, and can-do attitude and actions contribute to our success. Our faculty and staff are people who like what they are doing; they care about the community and about students. We hire our own product! Our instructors bring a good mixture of applied and learned experiences to the classroom. Our programs meet students at very basic levels and provide them access to a variety of certificates and degrees in high demand employment opportunities. Students can set short achievable goals and move from education to work in a timely manner. Our adult literacy, developmental studies, and general education areas prepare our students for entry into specific programs. Our program standards and articulation agreements allow our students to move throughout the system and onto other institutions. We provide a variety of options from classroom to Internet for student learning at a wide range of times to enhance accessibility of our educational options for our students. 

Facilities and Location
Observations: The contrast between the facilities on our campuses is great. In Clarkston, the facility is old, but is as well maintained as possible for a forty year old structure. We have a master plan for a new building on the Clarkston Campus and renovation plans for existing structures on that campus. Our location, near public transportation and well populated, is an asset for us. There are many environmental changes occurring near the Clarkston Campus. 
On the Covington-Newton Campus, facilities are clean, comfortable, well maintained, and modern. We have, for the most part, convenient and well lighted parking. Our physical location and size of the Covington campus creates intimacy and camaraderie. Our location is an asset with easy access from I-20. We are in proximity to a large industrial base, which is a source of employment for our students. We have a large and growing population base from which to draw that many other technical colleges may not have. On the Covington-Newton Campus, there is physical space for expansion. 
The Advanced Technology Center (ATC) continues to be an asset in Economic Development services and offers increased space for credit programs. Our IT department is housed at this campus and continues to improve our digital/technological infrastructure.

Programs and Services for Students
Observations: Our programs meet the needs of our students from very basic levels and provide access on a continuum of educational development to a variety of certificates and degrees in employable areas. Students can set short achievable goals and move from education to employment in a timely manner. The adult literacy, developmental studies, and general education areas prepare our students for entry into specific programs. Program standards and articulation agreements provide many options for students in continuing their education. We provide a variety of options from classroom to Internet for student learning at a wide range of times. We try to be responsive to the needs of our business and industry stakeholders. Our reputation and longevity in the area are assets for us. The name change from “Institute” to College has helped to alleviate some of the stigma associated with technical education. 

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