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The institution has a clearly defined and published mission statement specific to the institution and appropriate to an institution of higher education, addressing teaching and learning and, where applicable, research and public service. (Statement of Mission)
X Compliance Partial Compliance Non-Compliance
Narrative: Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College (OCtech) has a clearly defined and published mission statement that is appropriate to an institution of higher education. OCtech's Mission Statement provides a clear and comprehensive definition of its purpose and addresses teaching, learning, and continuing education. The Mission Statement is communicated to constituents through College publications that are readily available to the public or to groups for which the publications are specifically developed. The Mission Statement can also be found in the Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College Catalog, the Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College Student Handbook, the Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College Annual Report, the Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College Advisory Committee Handbook, and program brochures.
The Mission Statement was initially developed for the College in 1966 and has undergone subsequent revisions that reflect changes in the curriculum and in teaching and learning. The present OCtech Mission Statement was approved by the Orangeburg-Calhoun Area Technical Education Commission on January 28, 1998. The College’s most recent revision was completed and approved by the Orangeburg-Calhoun Area Technical Education Commission on November 19, 2003. This revision is reflected in Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College Policy 1.002 : Institutional Mission Statement. This approval process was led by the College President and her Council with input from the faculty and staff. It was presented to the Area Commission for review and approved as noted above. Through all revisions, the OCtech Mission Statement has remained fully compliant with mission as discussed in legislation and in the State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education system policy. The Mission Statement, purpose, and associated institutional beliefs as stated in the College Catalog are as follows:
The mission of Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College (OCtech) is to provide quality and affordable comprehensive education programs that will have a positive social and economic impact on the lives of the citizens of Orangeburg and Calhoun Counties and the state of South Carolina.
Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College is an associate degree-awarding two-year public institution. As an open admissions institution, we serve students with diverse backgrounds and ability levels from a primarily rural region, enrolling approximately 2,900 – 3,300 credit students and 3,000 non-credit students annually. Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College values the quality and effectiveness of our programs, promoting ethical standards in all aspects of the College’s operation. We seek success of each student in an environment that provides opportunity for lifelong learning in a complex, global society.
The College serves our community and our students in accordance with the following purposes:
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Meeting the community's need for a literate and technically-competent workforce by:
(a) Offering associate degree, diploma, and certificate programs in post-secondary, occupational and technical education in the following areas: Arts and Sciences, Business, Computer Technology, Health Sciences, Nursing, Public Service, and Industrial and Engineering Technology.
(b) Providing students with the knowledge, skills and attitudes in areas of oral and written communication, problem-solving, use of cutting-edge technology, and development of interpersonal skills through quality classroom delivery systems, innovative teaching methodologies, and multiple assessment measures for workplace competencies or for transfer to other institutions of higher learning.
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Addressing the continuing education needs of individuals and employees for developing or upgrading skills and knowledge by providing specialized, directed courses that compliment both personal interests and job advancement.
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Fostering student success by providing comprehensive student support services and learning experiences, including developmental studies, to help students identify and achieve specific personal and academic objectives.
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Promoting access to educational opportunity by providing the means for overcoming economic, academic, and other barriers.
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Employing a systematic process of planning, implementing, and evaluating to ensure that educational and administrative activities are appropriate and effective to meet the needs of the students, the College, and the community.
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Projecting a positive public image as an important and unique part of higher education by maintaining effective partnerships, expanding financial resources, and disseminating accurate and effective public information.
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Implementing relevant continuing education training programs that promote social and economic development through analyzing the strengths and needs of the community and of new and existing businesses and industries.
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Providing high quality facilities, equipment, and technology to support the College’s programs and services.
BELIEFS:
Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College pursues its mission through the following beliefs:
We believe in:
S tudents as our priority
E xcellence in education
R espect for diversity
V aluable work skills that create opportunities
I nnovative technology
C ommitment to community
E mployees dedicated to quality |
Evidence of Support: |
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