III. MISSION STATEMENT AND STRATEGIC PLANNING GOALS

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Vision Statement

Virginia Western Community College will deliver comprehensive educational and workforce development programs that will meet citizens’ needs, both private and corporate, to strengthen the local economy and improve the quality of life in our community.

Mission Statement

The mission of Virginia Western Community College is to provide comprehensive higher education and workforce training programs and services of superior quality that are affordable and accessible and that meet individual, business, and community needs in the Roanoke Valley and surrounding areas.

Virginia Western endeavors to fulfill this mission by fostering the belief that all people should have an equal opportunity to develop their skills, knowledge, and values. The College promotes this concept by making quality higher education available through its open door admission policy, affordable tuition, financial assistance, and student support services.

Virginia Western provides an extensive schedule of course offerings and programs to serve the diverse needs of students, including:

· Associate degree programs to prepare individuals for transfer as upper-division students to baccalaureate degree programs in four-year colleges and universities, including partnerships with other two-year and four-year institutions of higher education provide new or expanded educational opportunities for our students on the Virginia Western campus and throughout the Commonwealth.

· Associate degree programs to prepare individuals for careers as technical and paraprofessional workers.

· Certificate and Career Studies programs, which prepare individuals for careers as technicians, skilled, and semi-skilled workers.

· Workforce development courses designed to meet the training and retraining needs of the region’s businesses, industries, and professions.

· Developmental courses for students who lack the academic background or prerequisite competencies necessary for success in curricula of study.

· Distance learning courses to accommodate students who cannot attend regular classes due to location or schedule conflicts.

· Dual Enrollment opportunities for qualified high school students who obtain college credit through arrangements between public schools and the College.

As part of its overall commitment to open access and excellence, the College provides a broad range of support services and instructional technology, including multimedia classrooms, a modern and extensive library, computer labs, and a learning center. Counselors and faculty advisors are available to assist students with establishing and attaining their educational and occupational goals.  Special programs and services are provided for minority students, special-needs students, students with disabilities, senior citizens, and other nontraditional students.  Co-curricular programs and cultural enrichment opportunities are offered to promote a sense of civic responsibility, global awareness, and personal enrichment.

Virginia Western acquires and maintains the buildings, grounds, and equipment necessary to provide an environment conducive to learning. Since the College is a resource to the community, its services, activities and facilities may be available to area citizens whenever feasible. 

Approved by the VWCC Board on February 6, 2002

Strategic Planning Goals 

In striving to fulfill its mission in the most effective way possible, the college has established the following goals for the 2002-2004 and 2004-2006 biennia.  Virginia Western Community College will...

· Partner with business, industry, and local governments to create more opportunities for workforce training to support economic development in the Roanoke Valley and surrounding areas.

· Continue to provide associate degrees, certificate programs, and courses for transfer, employment, and lifelong learning.

· Strengthen internal communications, teamwork, leadership and professional development to provide the highest level of customer service.

· Increase accessibility and convenience through expanding off-campus and distance learning offerings.

· Employ more full-time faculty and staff, where needed, who reflect the diversity of the area population, and increase professional development opportunities, in order to meet the evolving needs of the local and global community.

· Expand and update educational programs to address the career opportunities and technological changes in service sectors such as information technology, healthcare, and related fields.

· Expand efforts to provide adequate funding through grants, private fundraising, and public support.

· Improve student retention and achievement of educational goals through enhanced facilities, student services, co-curricular programs, and quality instruction.

· Promote productive and mutually beneficial relationships with local governments, local school divisions, and transfer institutions.

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