Strategic Plan 2010

MISSION

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College responds to the educational needs of our community, which is defined as the district of George, Harrison, Jackson and Stone counties, by providing an outstanding learning environment supported by excellent instruction and services. We achieve this by creating an atmosphere that fosters lifelong learning, responsible citizenship and progressive leadership in a dynamic setting.

We make a positive difference in people's lives every day.

VISION

We envision Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College as a world-class educational institution committed to student learning. Using appropriate technologies and showcase facilities we will deliver flexible, market responsive programs of the highest quality. Our vision will be realized through outstanding employees and successful students who adhere to high standards of excellence while working in partnership with our community.

VALUES

Access: To provide opportunities for participation in world-class programs and services

Collaboration: To unify our efforts to achieve our mission by forging internal and external partnerships and alliances

Compassion: To exhibit concern for others

Diversity: To provide an atmosphere that fosters respect and supports cultural and societal differences

Excellence: To set and meet the highest standards

Integrity: To exemplify honesty, trustworthiness and good character as we engage in all programs, services, and partnerships

Leadership: To develop and demonstrate leadership skills for our students and our communities

Learning: To improve the quality of life by providing knowledge and skills

Responsibility: To ensure stewardship of our resources and accountability to our communities

Service: To instill a commitment in employees and students to helping others

Unity: To operate as one college in purpose, plans, priorities, and processes

Vision: To anticipate, welcome, and meet future challenges

STRATEGIC INITIATIVES

I. One Unified College

Desired Outcome:a multi-campus institution, the college operates as a single, unified college.

The college will maintain and promote consistency in its programs, student learning outcomes, policies and procedures college-wide. Centralized functions will continue to be explored and implemented, and cross-campus responsibilities will continue to be assigned at all levels. The college will promote itself as a single, unified institution to internal and external constituencies. Technological and other resources will be employed to facilitate better communication throughout the college.


II. World-Class Instruction

Desired Outcome: Students and graduates will be prepared to compete successfully in a diverse global workplace.

The college will set high standards based on proven benchmarks. The college will be recognized as a regional, national and international leader in postsecondary education. Students transferring to four-year institutions will perform as well as or better than native students. Students who complete our occupational programs will be eligible for nationally and internationally recognized certification or licensure. Our faculty will possess specialized certifications and professional credentials in their respective disciplines. Our faculty will engage in ongoing assessment of student learning outcomes. Our programs will meet and exceed the requirements for general and specialized accreditation. The college will continue to expand and improve student support services for all students, including nontraditional and distance learning students.


III. Information Systems Technology

Desired Outcome: : The college will provide a technology-enhanced learning and working environment to ensure that our students are successful, that our faculty are technologically empowered, that administrative systems support the mission and operation of the institution, and that learning can take place anywhere, anytime.

Information technologies are critical to the success of the college strategic plan. The college will continue to develop this important resource under the leadership of established advisory councils and committees. Innovative teaching and management technologies will be evaluated, implemented, and supported by the institution. High-quality support will be provided for information technology, and support units will continually seek innovative ways to effectively and efficiently manage technology resources.


IV. Personnel Development

Desired Outcome: The college will employ qualified and dedicated personnel, while also encouraging and providing professional development activities for continued growth.

The college mission will only be achieved with the best-qualified, dedicated and capable employees. The college will recruit, employ, retain, evaluate, recognize and reward its employees. The college will maintain a structured employee evaluation system to develop its human capital. This system will include a coordinated program of professional development that will support its instructional, operational and technological initiatives. Professional development activities will improve the quality of work life and contribute to employee job satisfaction and retention.


V. Student Life Enrichment

Desired Outcome: The ll offer student activities to develop leadership, citizenship, professional and personal interests.

We recognize that important learning experiences occur outside the classroom and that extracurricular activities play an important role in strengthening the connection among our diverse student population, the institution and the community. The college will provide adequate resources to support a variety of student activities and organizations. The college will select enthusiastic and committed individuals to advise and direct student activities and organizations.


VI. Customer Service

Desired Outcome: All college employees will provide high quality customer service.

Excellent customer service and efficient processes are integral to ensuring student success and effective management of the institution. The college will continue its efforts to analyze, evaluate and continuously improve services for students and the community. Professional development programs will be provided to improve customer service awareness and skills.


VII. Fiscal Resources

Desired Outcome: The college will continue to expand its funding sources and will manage its existing resources responsibly.

The college will continue its efforts to utilize private, federal, state, county and local resources, grants, auxiliary services and tuition revenues to support its mission. The college will aggressively seek corporate partnerships and external funding sources. The college will continue to demonstrate accountability in the expenditure of all funds.


VIII. Facility Master Plan

Desired Outcome: Through its facility Master Plan the college will be enhanced by a modern learning environment that supports its mission, vision and growth.

The college will provide world-class facilities for its programs. Facilities will be well equipped, aesthetically attractive, and capable of meeting the future needs of the institution. Recreational and cultural activities, as well as instruction and support services, will be accommodated. The college will aggressively seek the fiscal resources necessary to implement its facility master plan. Facility maintenance will be a top priority in capital resource allocation. Facilities planning will be accomplished as one college, and facilities/landscaping will emphasize that MGCCC is a single, unified college.


IX. Alumni/Foundation

Desired Outcome: The college will increase support for the college mission by promoting participation in the Alumni Association and Foundation by individuals and organizations.

The college.s Alumni/Foundation will continue to advance the cause of education by expanding connections with students and friends of the institution. The college will foster and develop mutually beneficial relationships through the support of scholarships and other contributions as well as promote a sense of community throughout the district. By easing the financial needs of students, the college can enhance educational opportunities by increasing access to current and future students.


X. Economic/Workforce Development and Community Outreach

Desired Outcome: Through all programs and services MGCCC will contribute to the improvement of the economic and cultural quality of life in its community.

Recognizing that its district is one of the fastest-growing areas in the state, the college will continue to provide responsive and innovative programs that support the economic and cultural development of the community. The college will continue to seek out and develop partnerships with other educational institutions, public agencies and private organizations to improve the quality of life on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.


XI. Enrollment Management

Desired Outcome: The college will increase participation in educational programs by strengthening marketing, recruitment, advisement, and retention efforts. The college will expand efforts to market and recruit students.

The college will strengthen the advisement system by providing more effective advisor/advisee relationships. The college will implement effective retention programs by increasing faculty-student contact and peer-mentoring opportunities.