Vision, Purpose, Mission, Values - Aiken Technical College

Vision, Mission, Purpose, Values, Strategic Plan

Vision

We envision Aiken Technical College as a catalyst for developing educated, engaged and employable individuals whose collective energy will be the driving force for prosperity and the quality of life in our diverse communities.

Mission

Aiken Technical College is a public, open-door, two-year, comprehensive institution of higher education established to provide citizens of greater Aiken County opportunities for educational, economic, professional, social and personal development. The College educates and trains students to provide an effective work force to support economic growth and community development through its focus on teaching and service.

Purpose

Consistent with its mission and values, Aiken Technical College is dedicated to achieving the following institutional purposes in an exemplary manner:

Secure the resources needed to support a projected annual enrollment of 3,500-4,500 credit students and 14,000 non-credit students.
Offer associate degree, diploma and certificate programs which provide students with the knowledge and competencies necessary for initial entry into and advancement in engineering technology, industrial technology, information technology, health, environmental, business and social service careers.
Prepare students for transfer to four-year institutions.
Collaborate with secondary and four-year institutions to facilitate transition among educational entities.
Construct curricula to address core competencies of written and oral communication, math, research, social/interpersonal, problem-solving, computer, and technical skills.
Develop customized training and technical assistance for public and private sector employers to further economic growth.
Deliver continuing education courses and special programs to address needs for occupational, vocational, and personal advancement.
Conduct developmental education to prepare students for the college experience.
Provide student support and counseling services to further individual student development and success.
Assist local communities, agencies, and educational institutions to meet specific challenges.

Our Values

ATC's core values define the College and provide the environment for all decisions and actions. These core values are:

Education - Education is the key to individual, community, and economic development in a complex technological society.
Commitment to Students - Students deserve the finest instruction, resources and services to enhance their growth and development.
Excellence - The College promotes excellence in personnel, programs and work environment while encouraging integrity, accountability and respect for individuals.
Community - Partnerships that develop solutions to community challenges are important to economic vitality and quality of life.
Diversity - Respect for diversity is an important part of the educational process.

2012-2017 Istitutional Goals

Institutional Goal I
Empower our students through life-changing education and training experiences to become productive and committed citizens.
1. Evolve curricula to respond to current and future educational and workforce development needs.
2. Create teaching and learning environments to foster student access and success.
3. Engage students in holistic development experiences for personal and professional growth.
Institutional Goal II
Promote the College as a regional leader of excellence in education, training, and workforce development.
1. Develop a dynamic image and marketing plan to position ATC as the regional college of choice.
2. Identify and develop market niches that position the college to provide unique educational learning opportunities.
3. Convene community and business leaders to create opportunities for excellence in educational and economic development.
Institutional Goal III
Establish collaborative partnerships to advance educational attainment of area citizens.
1. Partner with the business community to identify and develop resources and programs to assist regional economic development.
2. Collaborate with regional K-12 partners to create seamless educational pathways.
3. Create a continuum of educational opportunities with senior colleges and universities.
4. Forge alliances with community organizations to offer programs and services that support the college.
Institutional Goal IV
Achieve a College culture of excellence through the deployment of an evidence-based continuous improvement system.
1. Create student centered systems to maximize student success.
2. Develop a college workforce of excellence that exceeds customer expectations in the delivery of programs and services.
3. Achieve excellence in programs and services through integrated planning, budgeting and assessment systems.
4. Deploy technology systems to enhance student learning, improve services and achieve administrative efficiency.