Advisory Committee 101
A functional advisory committee can be a vital asset in helping a teacher set program goals and
objectives; identify needs, job opportunities, occupational trends, and new technologies; and
evaluate the program. Advisory committees can be your greatest asset; serve as
spokespersons for your program and providing a link between your program and the business
community.
This document was created to provide simple, concise information for Agricultural Education
teachers on the formation, functions, duties, and operations of an advisory committee. Samples
of an invitation letter, an agenda, minutes, sign-in sheet, etc. are included for your use.
Definition of an Advisory Committee
An Advisory Committee is a group of partners representing education, employers, industry
groups, associations, and other stakeholders in the community who provide input for program
improvement.
Purpose of an Advisory Committee
The purpose of the Advisory Committee is to provide recommendations regarding the goals and
objectives for the program for all three integral components of an Agricultural Education
program. The input provided by the Advisory Committee shall be used by the instructor(s) in
planning program activities and improvement. The committee assists in identifying community
resources and program strategies for achieving the goals and objectives. The advisory
committee also assists with the evaluation of the program. The evaluation process is one of
reflection as to if goals and objectives have been achieved, and the analysis process used in
determining at what level. The Advisory Committee is authorized under Title §780:20-3-1 of the
Oklahoma Rules for Career and Technology Education:
Each full-time CareerTech program must have an occupational advisory committee that
is formally organized and meets at least once annually. The membership of the advisory
committee must be diversified with the majority of membership representative of
occupations for which the program is training.
Responsibilities of an Advisory Committee
Recommend changes and improvements which will benefit the program
Provide guidance of structure of the program
Review and recommend content for courses
Assist the teacher in finding placement opportunities for students in production and/or
agribusinesses
Help attract and encourage interested students into the Agricultural education program
Serve as an advocate for the program
Promote the Agricultural Education program in the community through presentations at civic
clubs, career days, etc.