8 What changes are anticipated to enhance or strengthen this program over the next five years? What is the driving force for the anticipated changes?

Add Courses in Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Driven Office Practices

• Goal: Update and enhance office skills by incorporating current AI tools and techniques into three courses used in administrative roles.
• Action Taken: Attend the Office Dynamics Conference for Administrative Excellence to obtain innovative, trend-setting information on modern office practices and artificial intelligence tools. The conference will provide hands-on strategies to support a creative approach to daily administrative work, underscoring the evolving role of assistants as business partners. This participation will inform ongoing curriculum development and alignment with industry expectations.

Add an “AI in the Office” Basic Technical Certificate

• Goal: Develop and implement a new Basic Technical Certificate (BTC) program focused on artificial intelligence applications in the workplace as a core component of the proposed AI in the Office BTC.
• Action Taken: Initiated planning for a Basic Technical Certificate (BTC) that introduces students to the practical applications of AI in office environments—including areas such as accounting, customer service, and document management—by consulting with advisory committee members and attending professional development sessions to explore curriculum ideas and industry needs.

Increase Awareness Through Marketing

• Goal: Strengthen program visibility and enrollment by integrating strategic marketing initiatives that highlight the program’s unique features and benefits.
• Action Taken: Previously requested launching targeted social media campaigns on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to showcase the program’s online accessibility, high-demand career opportunities, and eligibility for Idaho Launch funding. Previously requested to develop professional marketing materials (flyers, brochures, and digital content) to assist with outreach efforts, including engagement with homeschool organizations, to illustrate dual credit opportunities and flexible learning options. I have researched homeschool communities on social media and joined the groups so I can do some events focused at getting the homeschool students involved in the CAOT dual credit program.

Develop a Common Workplace Readiness Skills Assessment for CAOT Courses

• Goal: Integrate a standardized Workplace Readiness Skills Assessment that evaluates and reinforces practical skills in relevant courses, ensuring consistency and support for students’ workplace preparedness.
• Action Taken: Initiated communication with the State Career Technical Education (CTE) department regarding the secondary Workplace Readiness Skills Assessment (WRA) for the program. Engaged with the WRA supplier at the ACTE 2024 conference to accelerate progress and continue efforts to integrate the assessment into internship courses to support workplace readiness.

Implement the Digital Literacy Assessment

• Goal: Implement the Digital Literacy Assessment to gauge and improve student proficiency in essential digital tools and skills critical for being successful in our program.
• Action Taken: Previously developed and submitted a proposal for the Digital Literacy Assessment that aligns with current industry standards. The proposal has been reviewed and approved by administrative stakeholders. The new CTE Advisor has indicated she will implement it.

Implement the Remote Desktop System

• Goal: Activate the virtual desktop system purchased in 2024 to provide students with seamless access to Office 2021 and Adobe Acrobat Pro DC, thereby enhancing their hands-on experience with modern administrative software.
• Action Taken: Secured $12,000 last year to purchase the virtual desktop system and additional Adobe Acrobat Pro DC licenses. Continuous follow-up has been made with the IT department and division management to expedite its deployment. Once implemented, this resource will significantly enhance student learning through a state-of-the-art digital workspace.

These strategic initiatives, supported by the additional resources, aim to further strengthen the Administrative Office Management Technology program by aligning it more closely with evolving industry demands and modern workplace practices.