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

State Level Initiatives:

The state of Idaho has developed the Launch Program which provides graduating seniors with

approximately $8,000 towards their first year of college if they choose in-demand careers. We anticipate

this initiative will have a positive result in overall enrollments at North Idaho College and thus psychology

course enrollments as well. For now, funding can be used in any program, but if cap in state level budget

for this initiative is exceeded then funding will only support “in-demand” careers and programs. Currently, a variety of psychology-based careers in health and human services are included as “in demand.” In this scenario, we expect the initiative could have a positive impact on the number of psychology students and increase our 100 and 200 level

elective courses. We will be attentive to the launch program over the next five years and do our best to anticipate and

adjust to enrollments trends.

Faculty:

With current enrollment trends as well as attrition in full-time psychology faculty, the department requires another full-time faculty member to keep pace with the current and anticipated demands of the department.  The department has recently been approved to hire a full-time special appointment faculty member for the 25/26 academic year.