B1000 College Purpose

Policy Statement

Shawnee Community College’s purpose is to provide high quality and affordable higher education services to the citizens of Alexander, Johnson, Massac, Pulaski, Union, and parts of Jackson Counties in Illinois, which advance individual economic mobility, personal growth, and the local economy, at a cost commensurate with the value of services provided.

Community Stakeholders benefit from the College in the following ways:

1. Students acquire the knowledge, skills, and self-confidence required for employability and/or career advancement in a global economy. Students also maximize their opportunity for future earnings growth.  In addition, students achieve their individual potential as productive, informed, and engaged citizens.  Student lives are enriched when they participate in lifelong learning opportunities that match their personal, avocational, and leisurely interests.
2. Increased earning potential from College graduates should benefit businesses by increased consumer spending. In addition, businesses have access to a steady supply of qualified, trained workers.  Businesses also have access to customized training that helps them increase productivity. 
3. The Community receives: economic development opportunities that attract new businesses to the local tax base; economic development opportunities that strengthen existing businesses; increased property values; increased tax revenue due to individual prosperity growth; increased understanding of healthy lifestyle choices, lower unemployment; and increased cultural opportunities.
4. Educational partners receive opportunities to connect students with the College’s courses, programs, facilities, and educational resources.

Community Stakeholders attain the previously identified benefits through participation in the following strategic outcomes:

1. Transfer courses and degrees designed to provide the first two years of a baccalaureate education.
2. Professional (i.e. Career-oriented) courses, certificates, and degrees designed to prepare students for entry-level employment and apprenticeships.
3. Continuing education and/or training seminars, courses, certificates, and programs designed for individuals who want to upgrade occupational skills for current jobs, retrain for new jobs, or prepare for a new career.
4. Customized workforce training, consulting, and technical assistance programs/services that support public and private sector economic development.
5. Courses and/or programs that provide students with basic academic skills needed to participate and succeed in college level study.
6. Courses and/or programs that provide students with the academic skills needed to attain their high school diploma or GED.
7. Community education and avocational activities and programs that contribute to personal interest, growth, and enrichment.
8. Services, activities and programs designed to: attract students; help students identify educational goals, select achievable career paths, and enroll in appropriate courses and programs; provide academic support to assist students with their educational goals; provide student support services enabling them to persist in the achievement of their educational goals; assist students with disabilities with equal access to the College’s activities, courses, programs, and services through reasonable accommodation; assist students with the attainment of clinical placements, internships and post-graduation employment; enhance classroom learning by providing co-curricular and extracurricular experiences; and develop academic and personal skills to achieve student success.

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