Section III: Comprehensive Standards

3.1.1 The institution has a clear and comprehensive mission statement that guides it; is approved by the governing board; is periodically reviewed by the board; and is communicated to the institution’s constituencies.

JUDGMENT OF COMPLIANCE

Compliance.

NARRATIVE/JUSTIFICATION FOR JUDGMENT OF COMPLIANCE

Northeast Alabama Community College demonstrates compliance.

A clear and comprehensive mission statement. The mission of Northeast Alabama Community College is “to provide accessible quality educational opportunities, promote economic growth, and enhance the quality of life for the people of Alabama.” The mission of the college adheres to that of the Alabama College System. To accomplish the mission, the college has established 11 comprehensive goals:

·       An “open-door” admission policy which insures nondiscriminatory educational opportunities for citizens of all races, creeds, colors, national origins, genders, ages, disabilities, or social groups.

·       General education at the freshman and sophomore levels that prepares students to continue their education through transfer.

·         Courses in transfer and career programs that are available, accessible, and affordable to

students.

·       Recruitment and retention of qualified personnel who are afforded professional development opportunities and institutional support needed to provide quality postsecondary education.

·       Developmental education which assists individuals who need to improve their basic learning skills and supports individuals lacking college preparatory backgrounds.

·       Technical, vocational and career education programs that prepare students for employment in occupational fields and which lead to certificates, diplomas, and/or associate degrees.

·         Training that meets the specific educational needs of businesses, industries, community

organizations, and governmental agencies.

·       Student services which assist individuals to formulate and achieve career, educational, and personal goals through counseling and academic advisement services and provide opportunities to participate in social and cultural activities.

·         Community services which support personal growth, cultural enrichment, and societal activities; provide access to college facilities for community activities; and promote community, social, and economic development.

·         Procurement and administration of financial resources in an effective manner.

·      Provision for and maintenance of a physical plant with instructional facilities and technology suitable for all the institution’s programs and services.

Development, approval and review, both at the institutional and board levels. The college opened in 1965 as Northeast Alabama State Junior College. The first mission statement was adopted in 1966 and has undergone several modifications as a result of the changing needs of the community, reflecting the expanding function of the college. The current Mission and Goals Statement was adopted in 1993, following the 1992 designation of Northeast as a community college. The most recent revision was completed in 2001 and approved by the State Board of Education on January 24, 2002.

As a result of a recommendation from the Purpose Review Committee during the 1992-1994 self-study, the Institutional Management and Planning (IMP) Committee developed a regular schedule for review of the mission statement. As part of the college's ongoing evaluation process, the IMP Committee annually reviews the Mission and Goals Statement. Additionally, the Purpose Review Committee, a subcommittee of the Institutional Management and Planning Committee, conducts a thorough review of the Mission and Goals Statement every three years. During the triennial review, the subcommittee surveys community members, including educators, non-educators, and industry leaders, as well as students, faculty (both full-time and adjunct), administrators, and professional and support staff of the college regarding aspects of the mission statement, including its accuracy, clarity, and appropriateness (comprehensiveness). Those surveyed are also solicited for comments regarding the Mission and Goals Statement of the college. Any revision resulting from a review must be approved by the governing board, the Alabama State Board of Education. In addition, the State Board of Education may initiate a change to a college’s mission statement if deemed necessary.

The Purpose Review Committee conducted the most recent triennial review of the Mission and Goals Statement September to December 2003. At the conclusion of the review, the committee recommended that the Mission and Goals Statement remain unchanged at this time. The committee concluded that although numerous changes have taken place since the 2000 review, such as the addition of online course delivery, adult basic education, and adult education and skills training, as well as technological advances, these changes have not altered the mission, but indeed have allowed the college to better fulfill the mission, offering greater accessibility and increasing the institution’s instructional resources. An explanation of the 2003 survey of the college constituency is included in Core Requirement 2.4. The report of the Purpose Review Committee is included in the document table.

Communication of the Mission and Goals Statement. The institutional Mission and Goals Statement is published on the college Web site and in the college Catalog and the Faculty & Staff Handbook, both of which are available in print and online.

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