Meaning, Quality, and Integrity of the Hospitality Management Bachelor of Science Degree from The Collins College of Hospitality Management at Cal Poly Pomona

The vision of The Collins College of Hospitality Management is be a global leader in shaping the future of hospitality. To this end Collins College faculty, staff, and industry partners are dedicated to advancing the dynamic and growing field of hospitality management by providing excellence in hospitality management education. The meaning, quality, and integrity of the degree granted validates the college’s mission of collaborative learn-by-doing practices, appreciation of diversity at all levels, and strategic integration of scholarship, service, and applied learning.

MEANING

Expectations for Incoming Students

Incoming freshmen and transfer students should possess the basic skills needed to succeed at the university level. University academic standards assumed these new students are expected to possess, or during their educational experience obtain, various other academic and personal skills that will allow them to participate and succeed in the hospitality industry. Excellent written and verbal communications, advanced practical mathematical skills, literacy in relevant industry technologies, and the ability to work on a team are desired entry level skills. It is vital these new students have a passion for the hospitality industry and should have industry experience. All students should show a profound respect for peers and professors. Critical thinking and the willingness to learn are vital for academic success.

Future for Graduates

The Collins College’s learn-by-doing approach prepares each student for success in the classroom, laboratory and in the hospitality industry. Courses taught prepare students for industry internships and management training programs, for entry/mid-level supervisory and management positions, and entrepreneurship. To be successful in these and future advanced positions within the industry, problem solving, decision making, and teamwork are all emphasized. The ultimate goal of each lesson, course, and industry experience is to instill a lifelong passion for learning and leadership.

Skills and Knowledge upon Graduation

When students graduate from Cal Poly Pomona with a degree in Hospitality Management they should be prepared for a successful career in the global hospitality industry. By its nature the hospitality industry is vast and covers multiple disciplines, venues, and stakeholders.  Academic and practical skills that traverse this expanse, such as effective written and verbal communication, accounting, finance, marketing, human resources, and law, will allow new graduates to participate practically in their chosen field.  Interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, collaboration, problem solving, analytical thinking, critical thinking knowledge and skills, combined with ethical behavior, and a respect for humanity and the environment will allow these responsible adults to assume progressively more advanced leadership roles.

QUALITY

Preparing Wanted Graduates

The Collins College of Hospitality Management, through its staff, faculty, administration, and industry partners has established five Student Learning Outcomes for the bachelor’s degree.  These competencies, once mastered, should allow the graduate to be successful in hospitality management.

Characteristics of Hospitable Service

Students are shown, on multiple levels, how to create a favorable guest experience. Hospitable service is introduced academically in the classroom and practiced in laboratories. Students are challenged through peer and public interactions to problem solve, resolve, and codify hospitable service standards.  Interactions with industry professionals through guest speakers, networking with members of the Board of Advisors, site visits, and Professor for the Day activities allow students to see the practical applications of their educational experience.

Technological Literacy

Students are introduced to and practice current and relevant business and organizational technologies in the classroom, laboratory, and in industry experiences. Students are required to collaborate with their peers and faculty in the use of technology through academic research, classroom presentations, laboratory practice, and real-life industry situations.

Analytical Thinking

It is vital that Collins College students, throughout their academic and practical studies, organize, analyze, and interpret information and situations and formulate rational and viable solutions to problems. Emphasis is put on collaborative problem solving, critical thinking, and self-awareness.

Teamwork

Cooperation and collaboration are skills that contribute to positive team performance. Collins College students engage in teamwork throughout their course of study requiring them to be both team members and leaders. Emphasis is placed on knowledge, skills, and attitudes that are transportable from one team to another. Students have regular opportunities to participate at college, university and community levels by engaging in team-based, service-learning experiences, by joining sanctioned student clubs and organizations, sitting on Collins College committees, and being an engaged Collins College student.

Leadership
Administration, faculty, and staff leading by example in the classroom, laboratory and day-to-day operations of the college are vital to student understanding of established leadership models. Emphasis is placed on ethical business principles and their practice in both academics and the hospitality industry. Students are given the opportunity to practice their leadership skills in group problem solving, report preparation and presentation, and event management. Students are encouraged to reflect on leadership practices from both their classroom opportunities and professional work experiences.
Expected Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Pedagogical Techniques, and Learning Experiences

Through regular and systematic tracking of student success, faculty at The Collins College actively engage in ongoing assessment of teaching techniques and educational experiences as they pertain to established learning outcomes. Cal Poly Pomona’s learn-by-doing approach to instruction is practiced on multiple levels, from practical academic presentations and team projects, to participation in food and beverage laboratory operations and professional work experience credit hours.

INTEGRITY

Preparation Assessment

Faculty at The Collins College assess student success in broad and various ways. Test performance, project quality, and presentation skills are measured and monitored.  Students are required at many levels to perform self and peer assessment. Student and alumni behavior is monitored through industry partnerships. Success is also monitored through student surveys, jobs obtained, alumni feedback, ranking of the college in relation to similar domestic and global programs, and graduate recruitment.

Achievement of Student Learning Outcomes

The Collins College actively monitors student success. Traditional and authentic assessment tools are utilized in the classroom and laboratory. Quizzes, tests, papers, presentations, interviews, and group discussions are regularly employed. Self- and peer-assessment are monitored. Faculty review on an  ongoing basis the established curriculum matrix monitoring when and where a skill, idea, or principle is introduced, reinforced, and emphasized. Feedback from industry partners is regularly solicited.

Role of Assessment and Program Review

Ongoing program assessment and review is vital to ensuring the integrity of The Collins College of Hospitality Management and Cal Poly Pomona. Information obtained during these internal and external audits is required in keeping the curriculum, programs, and policies current and engaged. Active and transparent participation by the college and university is fundamental to the successful delivery of instruction and the success of the most valued stakeholder, the student.

Accreditation

The Collins College of Hospitality Management is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration (ACPHA).