| 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. (Comprehensive Statement of Mission)
X Compliance Partial Compliance Non-Compliance
Narrative: 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.
OCtech is an associate degree-awarding two-year public institution. As an open admissions institution, the College serves 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. OCtech values the quality and effectiveness of its programs, promoting ethical standards in all aspects of the College’s operation. The College seeks success of each student in an environment that provides opportunity for lifelong learning in a complex, global society.
The College serves its community and its students in accordance with the following purposes:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Promoting access to educational opportunity by providing the means for overcoming economic, academic, and other barriers.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Providing high quality facilities, equipment, and technology to support the College’s programs and services.
|
The College’s Mission Statement provides a clear and comprehensive explanation through its purpose statement. The published Mission Statement was approved by the Orangeburg-Calhoun Area Technical Education Commission on January 28, 1998. The most recent revision was completed and approved by the Area Commission on November 19, 2003, to reflect changes in curricula and updated teaching and learning methods. This process was led by the College president and her council with input by the faculty and staff.
Reviews of the mission statements are conducted on an annual basis by the Area Commission.
The Mission Statement is communicated to constituents through the College Catalog, the Student Handbook, the Faculty Handbook, the Annual Report, and posted on campus. It is also shared at such events as advisory meetings and Foundation meetings.
Evidence of Support: |
|
