Mission, Vision, and Values Proposal

Mission

Shawnee Community College empowers learners and enriches communities by providing accessible, inclusive, and high-quality education and services. Through innovative programs and pathways, we champion lifelong learning, personal growth, and economic prosperity.

 

Vision

Empowering Learners. Enriching Communities.

 

Values

  1. Student-Centered & Community-Connected

We foster deep, reciprocal relationships with our students and communities to promote personal growth, academic achievement, and economic prosperity.

Observable Actions:

  • Offer flexible scheduling and multiple modalities to meet diverse student needs.
  • Provide robust academic advising, counseling, and tutoring services.
  • Regularly solicit and act upon feedback to improve services.
  • Celebrate student achievements publicly through ceremonies, newsletters, and social media.
  • Maintain safe, accessible, and respectful campus spaces.
  • Host community events, forums, and cultural celebrations on campus.
  • Offer continuing education and workforce training tailored to regional needs.
  • Collaborate with local K-12 schools, businesses, and civic organizations.
  • Include community members on advisory boards and planning committees.
  • Encourage student volunteerism and service learning.

 

  1. Excellence in Education

We deliver high-quality, transformative educational experiences through innovative programs, exceptional teaching, and commitment to continuous improvement.

Observable Actions:

  • Provide ongoing professional development for faculty and staff.
  • Design and review programs to meet industry standards and accreditation requirements.
  • Integrate emerging technologies and teaching strategies into instruction.
  • Track and analyze student outcomes to inform improvements.
  • Maintain low student-to-faculty ratios where possible.

 

  1. Innovation and Growth

We embrace change and creativity as essential to meeting the evolving needs of our students and communities, encouraging life-long learning and leadership.

Observable Actions:

  • Develop and launch new programs based on labor market demand and student interest.
  • Support pilot projects and new initiatives through internal grants or resources.
  • Encourage interdisciplinary collaboration and problem-solving.
  • Host innovation challenges or idea-sharing forums.
  • Promote leadership development for students and staff.

 

  1. Inclusive and Equitable Access

We ensure that education is within reach for all by removing barriers, valuing diversity, and advancing equity in all we do.

Observable Actions:

  • Offer need-based financial assistance and scholarships.
  • Provide accessible facilities and adaptive technologies.
  • Engage with underrepresented populations through targeted outreach.
  • Train staff on equity, cultural competency, and implicit bias.
  • Publish disaggregated data on student access and outcomes.

 

  1. Integrity and Stewardship

We act with transparency, ethics, and fiscal responsibility in all we do. As diligent stewards of our resources and trust, we make evidence-based decisions that serve students, employees, and the community.

Observable Actions:

  • Clearly publish policies, procedures, and performance metrics.
  • Conduct internal audits and reviews of programs and processes.
  • Require ethics training for all employees.
  • Address misconduct promptly and fairly.
  • Monitor and report on budget allocations and outcomes.
  • Implement sustainability initiatives in operations and curriculum.
  • Use data to guide resource allocation and planning.
  • Maintain and upgrade facilities to ensure safety and efficiency.
  • Seek out and manage grants that align with institutional goals.