Family and Consumer Sciences

What is the program’s mission statement or statement of purpose? Why does the program exist?

What is the program’s mission statement or statement of purpose?

The mission statement for the School of Family and Consumer Sciences is intertwined within the  School and reads as such:

The mission of the School of Family and Consumer Sciences is to prepare students to empower individuals, strengthen families, and enable communities within the global environment through an integrated focus on individual and family development, nutrition and health, consumer studies, merchandising, apparel and textile design, and hospitality management. This educational purpose is enhanced by research, experiential opportunities and service learning.

 Why does the program exist?

The program has a strong history, created and maintained by many dedicated and skilled practitioners from the ever evolving discipline currently titled Family and Consumer Sciences.   Since inception, the program has methodically evolved over the years, providing a solid and rich focus of the discipline.  It all began in the early 1900's with a two-year degree in Domestic Sciences and has advanced to  four-year degree programs within our discipline, which includes Apparel and Textiles, Merchandising, Consumer Studies, Hospitality, Family Services, and Dietetics.  In fact, the School of Family and Consumer Sciences recently celebrated our 100th year anniversary that dates back to 1913. Rather than be a discipline that simply disappears over time, the School of Family and Consumer Sciences encourages students of all races and nationalities to dream and create new ideas that evolve to meet the changing needs of individuals, families and communities. It is through persistence and dedication from practitioners in 1913 on through the current practitioners in 2013, that the program exists.

How does the program mission align with the university mission?

 The University mission states:

Eastern Illinois University is a public comprehensive university that offers superior, accessible undergraduate and graduate education. Students learn the methods and results of free and rigorous inquiry in the arts, humanities, sciences, and professions, guided by a faculty known for its excellence in teaching, research, creative activity, and service. The University community is committed to diversity and inclusion and fosters opportunities for student-faculty scholarship and applied learning experiences within a student-centered campus culture. Throughout their education, students refine their abilities to reason and to communicate clearly so as to become responsible citizens and leaders.

Both the mission of the School of Family and Consumer Sciences and the University mission statements clearly reflect EIU at the University and School level. In addition, the mission statements complement each other and reflect similar characteristics. The mission statements inherently focus on education, faculty, students, improvement, service, research, inclusion, success, leadership and integrative, applied and experiential learning, which are applicable to both undergraduate and graduate students. The mission statements focus on the University community, while paving the way for application in the global environment.

Whom does the program serve?

The School of Family and Consumer Sciences is service based. The program faculty serves the students of all ages through teaching, guiding, advising and mentoring individuals within Family and Consumer Sciences. The curriculum and integrative, applied and experiential learning experiences serve to prepare students to empower individuals, strengthen families, and enable communities within the global environment. This is also accomplished through an integrated focus on individual and family development, nutrition and health, consumer studies, merchandising, apparel and textile design, and hospitality management. The educational purpose is enhanced by research, experiential opportunities and service learning.

What are the services provided? How do these services align with the university mission and program mission?

There are many services provided by the students and faculty of the School of Family and Consumer Sciences. Examples include:

• Student organizations that raise money or awareness for special causes, such as Breast Cancer, St. Jude Hospital for Children, Canned Food Drive  (Soup Stop or Food Pantry), Adopt a Family for Christmas (provide gifts), Great American Bake Sale-End Childhood Hunger (fund raiser), Lauren's Run (in memory of student that died)
• Graduate Dietetic students that provide nutrition education to clients at the Charleston Transitional Care Facility
• Present nutrition poster at the Health Fair "Highway for Health"
• Faculty and/or staff working at the Special Olympics
• Undergraduate students that conducted a nutritional needs assessment regarding middle school children in a local community
• Participate in Cafe' research - testing gluten free foods

The services naturally align with the University Mission and the Program Mission with a focus on education, faculty, students, improvement, service, research, inclusion, success, leadership and integrative, applied and experiential learning.

Describe the program’s origins (e.g. year established, purpose, expectations).

The School of Family and Consumer Sciences has a rich and dynamic history. Domestic Sciences began in 1913 as a two-year degree program. In 1920, the Bachelor of Education, with a four-year degree in Home Economics, was initiated and located in Blair Hall. The program was moved to the Student Services Building in 1929 when the program was expanded to include classes in dietetics, family meals, household management, equipment and furnishings, and home nursing and child care.

The 1960’s brought about several changes. New options in dietetics and home economics in business were approved. In 1966, the department became the School of Home Economics and had 170 majors in the program. In 1967, the school moved into the new Applied Arts and Education Building (Klehm Hall), and the former Home Management house became the Child Development Lab. In addition, the Master of Education degree for home economics majors began, and a new family services option was approved. In 1969, Dr. Mary Ruth Swope was named dean of the School of Home Economics after serving six years as department chair. By 1970, the school had 344 majors.

In ensuing years, home economics, an interdisciplinary program, was accredited by the American Home Economics Association; an M.S. in Home Economics and an M.A. in Gerontology were approved; the school became the sponsor of the Peace Meal Senior Nutrition Program in a 12-county area (an affiliation it continued for more than 40 years before ending in 2013); and a hospitality services program was established. Also, a graduate dietetics option was approved with the dietetic internship granted developmental accreditation by the American Dietetic Association. In 1983, the School of Home Economics was merged into the College of Applied Sciences along with the School of Technology, Career Occupations, and Military Science. During this time, Dr. Barbara Owens was named dean.

 The 1990’s brought changes, including the establishment of the Child Care Resource and Referral Center. In 1992, Dr. (Owens) Hill was named provost and vice president for academic affairs. In 1993, Eastern reorganized its colleges and merged the College of Applied Sciences with the College of Business into the Lumpkin College of Business and Applied Sciences with Dr. Ted Ivarie as dean. In 1995, the School of Home Economics was renamed the School of Family and Consumer Sciences to reflect the integrative approach to the relationships between individuals, families, communities, and the environments in which they function.

How has the unit changed or adapted over time?

The School's focus has evolved over the years to teach students to be leaders in improving individual, family, and community well-being; impacting the development, delivery, and evaluation of consumer goods and services; influencing the development of policy; and shaping societal change, thereby enhancing the human condition.  Clearly, the Domestic Sciences program created in 1913 was the beginning of a strong and healthy progression of academic growth and advancement over the past 100 years, which purposefully and strategically continues to change and adapt over time.

If needed, provide supplemental comments to help the reader understand the program’s history and relevance to university mission.

Provide data showing the four-year trend in the number of majors, minors, options, and concentrations.

Provide data showing the four-year trend in student credit hour (SCH) production, percent of SCHs that are general education, and percent of SCHs that are taught to non-majors.

What elements of the program’s curriculum are offered specifically to support other academic majors, minors, options, and concentrations?

The elements of the program curriculum that support majors, minors, options and concentrations are shared below:

Collaborative courses exist between Dietetics/Kinesiology/Athletic Training, Hospitality/Recreation Administration; and Family Services/Early Childhood Education.

In addition, the Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences provides three career options and four concentrations.   The three options for undergraduate studies include: “Apparel and Textile Design, Consumer Studies, Hospitality and Merchandising” as well as options in “Dietetics” and “Family Services”.

The Apparel and Textile Design, Consumer Studies, Hospitality and Merchandising Option offers four concentrations and five minors, which are outlined below:

• The Apparel and Textile Design Concentration includes a Print and Textile Design Minor and offers additional coursework for a Print and Textile Design Technologies Minor.
• The Consumer Studies Concentration includes a Business Minor.
• The Hospitality Management Concentration includes a Business Minor.
• The Merchandising Concentrationincludes a Business Minor

The Dietetic Option and Family Services Option do not automatically include a minor; however, minors can be earned by students pursuing dietetic and family service option.

Historically, the School of Family and Consumer Sciences has allowed students from across campus to enroll in Family and Consumer Science courses. However, this has increasingly become problematic in that non-Family and Consumer Sciences students were registering for courses that were needed for Family and Consumer Sciences majors, minors, options and concentrations. To assure that Family and Consumer Sciences students can enroll in their required classes, the School has limited course access to only FCS majors, minors, options and concentrations until the Family and Consumer Sciences courses are opened up to the campus at large during the first week of classes.  

If needed, provide supplemental comments to help the reader understand the internal demand for the program. Note any clarifications or special circumstances (e.g., curriculum changes made by another program) that should be considered when reviewing the above data.

For over 18 years the Academic Advisor for the School of Family and Consumer Sciences has maintained data and statistics regarding the program. Several months ago the Program Analysis data was automatically populated by the University, but not all areas in the analysis included University populated data.  For example, Section 1 include only data from the Chair, while Section 4 only included Program Analysis data that was automatically populated by the University.  Upon reviewing the data that was automatically populated compared to the data that is maintained by the Academic Advisor, there are errors in the data. For example:

Dietetics (Degree Program 1) is missing information from 2010                                        

Dietetics (Major 1) is missing information from 2011                                                                

FCS Apparel/Consumer/Hospitality/Merchandising (Major 1) Fall 2010 should be 158, not 162

List relevant data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook, the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) New Graduate Salary Survey, and the EIU Career Services Annual Report.

Dietitian/Nutritionist Salaries

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Dietitians/Nutritionists earned an average of $55,240 in 2012. The bottom 10% of Dietitians/Nutritionists earned less than $34,500while the top 10% earned at least $77,590. 

	OCCUPATION	JOB DUTIES	ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION	2010 MEDIAN PAY
	Health Educators	Health educators teach people about behaviors that promote wellness. They develop programs and materials to encourage people to make healthy decisions.	Bachelor’s degree	$45,830
	Mental Health Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists	Mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists help people manage or overcome mental and emotional disorders and problems with their family and relationships. They listen to clients and ask questions to help the clients understand their problems and develop strategies to improve their lives.	Master’s degree	$39,710
	Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists	Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists work with and monitor offenders to prevent them from committing new crimes.	Bachelor’s degree	$47,200
	Psychologists	Psychologists study mental processes and human behavior by observing, interpreting, and recording how people and other animals relate to one another and the environment.	See How to Become One	$68,640
	Rehabilitation Counselors	Rehabilitation counselors help people with emotional and physical disabilities live independently. They help their clients overcome personal, social, and professional effects of disabilities as they relate to employment or independent living.	Master’s degree	$32,350
	School and Career Counselors	School counselors help students develop social skills and succeed in school. Career counselors assist people with the process of making career decisions by helping them choose a career or educational program.	Master’s degree	$53,380
	Social and Community Service Managers	Social and community service managers coordinate and supervise social service programs and community organizations. They direct and lead staff who provide services to the public.	Bachelor’s degree	$57,950
	Social and Human Service Assistants	Social and human service assistants help people get through difficult times or get additional support. They help other workers, such as social workers, and they help clients find benefits or community services.	High school diploma or equivalent	$28,200
	Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors	Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors advise people who have alcoholism or other types of addiction, eating disorders, or other behavioral problems. They provide treatment and support to help the client recover from addiction or modify problem behaviors.	High school diploma or equivalent	$38,120

What Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners Do

What Personal Financial Advisors Do

Personal financial advisors give financial advice to people. They help with investments, taxes, and insurance decisions.

Is the program accredited or approved by a recognized external agency or otherwise certified to meet established professional standards? Provide an executive summary of and link to the program’s most recent accreditation or certification report, if available.

The School of Family and Consumer Sciences is accredited by the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) and the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences is accredited by the CHEA. Additionally, the undergraduate dietetic program (Didactic Program in Dietetics) and the Master of Science in Dietetics with an eight-month internship is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, (formerly Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education/American Dietetic Association).

Executive Summary

In its April, 5 2013 meeting, the Council for Accreditation of the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences voted to grant accreditation for the School of Family and Consumer Sciences at Eastern Illinois University. This action followed careful review and consideration of the Self-Study Report, the report of the site visit team, and the institution's response to the site visit report. 

Accreditation is granted by the Council for Accreditation for a period of ten years. Any extension and/or professional accreditation periods are counted as part of the ten year period.  Therefore, this accreditation expires Spring, 2022.  The next Self Study Report will be due February 1, 2021

Members of the Council for Accreditation join us in congratulating you and the faculty on the quality of programs offered by the School of Family and Consumer Sciences.  This comes with our good wishes for continued success of the programs. 

Is the program required to meet any regulatory or legal requirements? Is the program subject to any special auditing requirements?

1. Is the program required to meet any regulatory or legal requirements?  

The Master of Science in Dietetics with an 8-month internship is required to maintain Affiliate Agreements for the clinical sites that students attend. The clinical sites include: Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, IL.; Passavant Area Hospital, Jacksonville, IL; Presence Covenant Medical Center, Urbana, IL.; Presence United Samaritan's Medical Center, Danville, IL.; Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, Mattoon, IL,; St. James Hospital and Health Centers, Chicago Heights, IL; St. John's Hospital, Springfield, IL.; St. Anthony's  Memorial Hospital, Effingham, Il.; St. Mary's Hospital, Decatur, IL and the VA Illiana Health Care System, Danville, IL.

Additionally, the program is required by the Commission on Dietetic Registration, to maintain two specific forms: Registration Eligibility Application Form - CDR Copy and the RDE Misuse Program Director Copy.

Is the program subject to any special auditing requirements?

No, there is not a special auditing requirement. However, the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) conducts random audits. We were audited once in the past 10 years and passed the audit.

What are the most important outreach or public service activities supported by the program?

Due to the nature of our discipline faculty and students engage in a wide variety of public service activities, all which are important to our discipline and are supported by the faculty. Examples include serving on the L.O.V.E. Youth Program, serving on the Wellness Committee for the Casey School Board, being an Illinois Public Health Association Member, serving on the Administrative Committee for the Illinois Alliance to Prevent Obesity, serving on the Coalition for People in Need Advisory Board, member of the Advisory Council on Financial Education and Literacy through the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office, serving on the Executive Board for the Soup Stop (Low income meal program), serving on the HOPE and Domestic Violence Shelter, Member of the Illinois Association for Cultural Diversity, Member of the American Cancer Society, judging at the University of Illinois Extension 4-H, provide services to the Charleston Transitional Facility,  and participate with Student organizations such as KoNU and SDA

How do the local community and the region benefit from the program?

The University provides a solid base and beautiful campus with access to campus resources that can be beneficial to the community and the region. Making connections within the community  and region opens up opportunities for meeting new people and forming professional relationships. Discussions can lead to collaboration, goal setting, assessment and advancements, both within the university, community and region. 

Examples of benefits and positive outcomes from the program include:

• Providing local and regional trained practitioners in the fields of Apparel and Textiles, Merchandising, Consumer Studies, Hospitality Management, Dietetics, and Family Services.
• Providing services to the community, such as consulting within the disciplines of Dietetics and Family Services.
• Providing Apprentice Chef Cooking School for high school students interested in the culinary arts. In addition, the students earn college credit.
• Providing fine dining at the student driven Pantera Restaurant.
• Providing child care assistance for parents and families through the Child Care Resource and Referral program.
• Providing child care assistance and student experience in the Child Development Learning Laboratory.
• Providing numerous research studies that cover all areas within the School of Family and Consumer Sciences.

If needed, provide supplemental comments or data sources to help the reader understand the external demand for the program.

Family and Consumer Sciences (B.S.)

Significant Achievements that Document Quality/Improvement

Significant achievements that document support of VPAA and/or University goals

Integrative Learning Opportunities

Student Research/creative Activity

Faculty-student collaboration

Strategies to improve P-16 teaching and learning

External Partnerships

Pass rates on any professional/ occupational licensure exams

Faculty Achievements

Student Achievements

Family and Consumer Sciences (M.S.)

Significant Achievements that Document Quality/Improvement

Significant achievements that document support of VPAA and/or University goals

Integrative Learning Opportunities

Student Research/creative Activity

Faculty-student collaboration

Strategies to improve P-16 teaching and learning

External Partnerships

Pass rates on any professional/ occupational licensure exams

Faculty Achievements

Student Achievements

Dietetics (M.S.)

Significant Achievements that Document Quality/Improvement

Significant achievements that document support of VPAA and/or University goals

Integrative Learning Opportunities

Student Research/creative Activity

Faculty-student collaboration

Strategies to improve P-16 teaching and learning

External Partnerships

Pass rates on any professional/ occupational licensure exams

Faculty Achievements

Student Achievements

If needed, provide supplemental comments or data sources to help the reader understand the quality of program outcomes.

Note any special benefits (e.g., personnel support, equipment, permanent improvements) that the program has received in the past three years from its grants and other sponsored programs.

The special benefits from receiving grants within the School of Family and Consumer Sciences is having release time to work on research and/or resources (such as money) to complete research. 

Following are examples of 8 external funding:

Jim Painter obtained 3 cu reassigned time for research. 

Crystal Duncan-Lane, Ph.D. CFLE: Assistant Professor, was awarded $4,000 for the Kappa Omicron Nu Ruth E. Hawthorne Research Grant and the National Alumni Chapter Award for her research program, "Tracing the Pink Ribbon: Investigating Family Resilience in Women with a History of Breast Cancer." Her goal is to contribute to knowledge surrounding family resilience and how it might be used by mental health clinicians and health care providers to better serve the breast cancer population.

*Carla Honselman, Ph.D., R.D., Associate Professor, Didactic Program in Dietetics Coordinator, received a Faculty Partnership Development Grant that was used to support the 2013 Obesity Conference held on campus and organized by students and faculty from Family and Consumer Sciences - Dietetics, Health Studies and Kinesiology. 

*Karla Kennedy-Hagan, Ph.D., R.D., Chair, Professor, Dietetic Internship Coordinator received a Winkleblack Family Fund Grant for Beverage Research. 

*Dr. Lisa Moyer, Ph.D., Associate Professor, FCS Graduate Coordinator, was the Recipient of the Illinois Council on Family Relations Faculty Mentor Award and also a Faculty Development Grant.

*Jim Painter, Ph.D., R.D., Professor, has been very successful in securing external funding for various research initiatives and to fund student workers and graduate students in the research. Between 2004-2012, Dr. Painter has secured $105,000 in grant funds. Dr. Painter has traveled extensively worldwide to lecture on topics related to food and nutrition.

*Linda Simpson, Ph.D., CPFFE, Interim Assistant Chair, Professor, is developing new curriculum for a Financial Literacy Concentration, Minor, and Certification program and received a $40,000 grant from CGS/TIAA-Cref to fund a financial literacy center on the EIU campus.

Laura Lucas, a graduate assistant in the program, received the 2012-2013 American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences' Hazel Putnam Roach National Graduate Fellowship ($5000)

How does the program benefit from donor gifts (e.g., scholarships, endowed chairs)? Does donor support provide a significant percentage of the program’s overall funding?

The program benefits from donor gifts are 100% focused on the students.  The School of Family and Consumer Sciences has been fortunate to receive 27 annual scholarships/ awards from a variety of Donors.   A committee of five faculty members review the competitive applications and collectively select the recipients.  The funds for the scholarships/awards recipients are dispersed to undergraduate and graduate students in accordance with Financial Aid and the Donors requirements. The donor gifts vary in terms of the dollar amount. 

Donor gifts provide additional funding for the recipients of the awards.  The benefit of the Donors generosity is strictly for the student.  Neither the School or Faculty benefit from the program's overall funding. 

List two or three key relationships that the program maintains with external constituencies (e.g., community colleges, other universities, government bodies). How do these relationships advance the university mission or otherwise benefit the university?

Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, IL has been a long standing external constituent with Eastern Illinois University.  The hospital has taken hundreds of graduate dietetic students into the program, as the students completed course work and a 8-month internship to become a Registered Dietitian.  The Dietitians at Carle Foundation Hospital have taught, nurtured and supported numerous students over the years, while growing the student's knowledge and confidence to practice in the field. The dietitians have been instrumental in maintaining rigorous curriculum for the students and have provided the skills needed for success.   

A second external constituent is Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center in Matton, IL.  Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center is the founding site for the  graduate Dietetics program initiated in the mid 1980's.  The hospital has taken hundreds of graduate dietetic students into the program, as the students completed course work and a 8-month internship to become a Registered Dietitian.  The Dietitians at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center have taught, nurtured and supported numerous students over the years, while growing the student's knowledge and confidence to practice in the field. The dietitians have been instrumental in maintaining rigorous curriculum for the students and have provided the skills needed for success.   

Additional external constituents associated with the program include:  Passavant Area Hospital in Jacksonville, IL,  Provena Covenant Presence Medical Center in Urbana, IL, Provena United Samaritan's Medical Center in Danville, IL, St. James Hospital and Health Center in Chicago Heights, IL, St. John's Hospital in Springfield, IL, St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital in Effingham, IL, St. Mary's Hospital in Decatur, IL and the VA Illiana Health Care System in Danville, IL.

The relationship advances the university mission specifically by maintaining quality programs through accreditation.  (Provost’s Strategic Goals for EIU, Goal # 9)

If needed, provide supplemental comments to help the reader understand the resources generated by the program. Note any clarifications or special circumstances (e.g., revenue pass-throughs) that should be considered when reviewing the above data.

If needed, provide supplemental comments to help the reader understand the productivity of the program. Note any clarifications or special circumstances (e.g., accreditation requirements, curricular changes, program restructuring) that should be considered when reviewing the above data.

If needed, provide supplemental comments to help the reader understand the costs associated with the program. Note any clarifications or special circumstances (e.g., expenditures made centrally or externally, expenditures made on behalf of other units) that should be considered when reviewing the above data.

60020 Civil Service salary for 2013 is over twice the salary from the past 2 years.  There are only 2 Civil Service employers.

Graduate Assistants are not listed on the 2012 report,  even though Graduate Assistants are working. 

How does the program seek to distinguish itself from similar programs at other institutions?

The program seeks to distinguish itself from similar programs at other institutions by finding a descriptive niche that is different from the norm and capitalizes on that niche.  The School of Family and Consumer Sciences is distinctive in and of itself, as it is comprised of three career options and four concentrations.  The three options for undergraduate studies include Apparel and Textile Design, Consumer Studies, Hospitality and Merchandising, as well as options in Dietetics and Family Services. 

The Apparel and Textile Design, Consumer Studies, Hospitality and Merchandising option offers four distinctive concentrations and five minors.  The minors are:

Apparel and Textile Design Concentration with a Print and Textile Design minor and offers additional coursework for a Print and Textile Design Technologies Minor.

Consumer Studies Concentration, including a Business Minor

Hospitality Management Concentration, including a Business Minor

Merchandising concentration, including a Business Minor. 

The Master’s in FCS is currently in the process of seeking a First Choice distinction from the EIU Graduate School and will launch a hybrid online MS in FCS program for current high school FCS teachers.

Each of the program areas have a different focus, yet all of the areas blend in and are integrated into the discipline.  It is evident that each of the areas are different from others, which clearly distinguishes the program.

Note any unique and/or essential contributions that the program makes to the university.

The School of Family and Consumer Sciences provides a depth and breadth of unique course offerings.  Some of the more popular contributions to the University include Pantera and the Cafe'.  The name "Pantera" was voted on by students.  Pantera is Spanish for "Panther", which is the mascot for Eastern Illinois  University.  Students registered for Pantera will work in the quantity foods lab, a perfect environment for students to learn how to prepare and present food. Pantera has become an icon and it's three course meals are highly popular within the University and community.  In fact, Pantera tickets have been know to be sold out weeks before the event. 

Similarly, the Cafe' has also become a comfortable spot for break time.  Offering a variety of coffees, hot cocoa, and some pastries meets the needs of it's participants. 

The Childcare Resource and Referral (CCR&R) program is a distinctive and unique program provided to students, families and the local community, as well as with other counties.  Founded in 1990, the Eastern Illinois University, School of Family and Consumer Sciences, Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) serves Clark, Coles, Cumberland, Edgar, Moultrie and Shelby counties in Illinois. CCR&R offers referrals of child care providers to parents and families, provides child care resources and technical assistance to parents, families, and child care providers, and assists families in paying for child care. CCR&R is also your source for child care statistics.

 CCR&R provides the following services:     

• child care referrals and consumer education to families
• determines eligibility to access child care assistance
• facilitates recruitment and retention of child care providers
• provides outreach educational opportunities for child care providers
• promotes and supports child care provider professional development
• provides families with referrals to other family service agencies
• assists business and industry with family friendly programs
• maintains a comprehensive database of the six county service delivery area
• disseminates information through media, reports and research

CCR&R establishes partnerships to expand collaborative services and serves as a training/educational site for University and community college students. The relationship advances the university mission specifically by becoming more intentional in our efforts to more fully realize integrative learning. (Provost’s Strategic Goals for EIU, Goal # 7.)

The Master’s in FCS is a flexible program where students are allowed to develop the schedule that best fits their personal and professional lives. All courses are offered in the evening, weekends, and/or online allowing students to continue working full time while obtaining their Master's degree. In addition, a cohort for the Chicago area high School FCS teachers that was offered in 2008 and 24 students completed (all that had registered originally) and graduated. The program will launch an online Master’s in FCS program geared specifically towards high school teachers in the summer 2014 semester. There is already a waiting list for this program.

Provide any program-specific metrics that help to document program contributions or program quality. Examples of some commonly used program-specific metrics may be found here.

If needed, provide supplemental comments to help the reader understand the program impact on the university mission.

Provide a link to or listing of the program’s goals and/or strategic plan.

Historically, the School of Family and Consumer Sciences has adopted the Provost Strategic Goals for Eastern Illinois University.  We focus on improvements, and maintenance of the goals, which include:

1.  Become a showcase for teaching and learning at a regional comprehensive university with an emphasis on relationship-driven education.

2.  Have the most active and highly regarded student research/student scholarship program of any Illinois public comprehensive university.  Where possible this will include undergraduate students, graduate students and faculty working together.

3.  Evaluate all academic programs with an eye to having each degree program be identified as the "first-choice" program for students considering that major at an Illinois public comprehensive university.

4.  Become known as the university of choice for Honors College/Programming among the state's public comprehensive universities.

5.  Increase the portion of students participating in Study Abroad programs with the long-term goal being to have the highest rate of student participation in these programs among the state's public comprehensive universities. 

Provost's Additional Goals:

6.  Focus on continuous program improvement through assessment efforts.

7.  Become more intentional in our efforts to more fully realize integrative learning.

8.  Foster productive relationships with our advisory boards.

9.  Maintain quality programs through accreditation.

10.  Collaborate with the Office for University Advancement to focus on efforts in philanthropy and development.

What role will the program have in the implementation of the university’s strategic plan (provide link to strategic plan)?

The School of Family and Consumer Sciences will participate in the implementation of the University's strategic plan.  Since Phase 1 of the 3 Phase process will be complete by the end of calendar year 2013, the School volunteers to participate in Phase 2 or Phase 3 of the process.  Additionally, the School is willing to participate in any of the six strategic themes that were identified, including Academic Success, Global Competition and Changing Demographics, Emerging Technologies, Campus and Community Life, Financial Sustainability and Marketing and Communication.  The School is pleased to participate in this very important endeavor. 

What are the program’s two or three most promising opportunities that could help advance the university’s academic mission? Provide an estimate of additional investments or other costs required and additional student credit hours, revenue, or other resources generated.

Ideas to consider:

Adding a Culinary option in Hospitality would be a powerful fit for many Hospitality practices. 

Partner with Health Promotion or Nutrition and Fitness.

M.S. in Family and Consumer Sciences - Hybrid/Online Cohort

Strong emphasis on increasing the number of undergraduate Honors students

Strong focus on undergraduate research

Focus of infusing the university-wide undergraduate learning goals into the curriculum

If needed, provide supplemental comments to help the reader understand future opportunities for the program.