Jefferson State Community College
Mission Statement
Our Vision
The vision of Jefferson State Community College is to be recognized as
the most effective community college in the state of Alabama by
providing individuals with knowledge and skills needed to function in a
technologically demanding society.
In a period of significant and rapid change, we intend to put the
learner's needs first by being responsive and innovative, as well as
being a catalyst for lifelong learning through the use of a variety of
delivery systems.
Statement of Philosophy and Purpose
Jefferson State Community College, as a comprehensive, public, two-year,
community college, exists to provide an educational environment in which
the needs of the individual student, the community, and other target
audiences can be met. Within this educational environment, Jefferson
State endeavors to make collegiate education accessible to all who seek
it and in a manner consistent with the vision, mission, goals, and
objectives of the Alabama College System.
The college is dedicated to offering programs and activities which
reflect those characteristics that help define an educated person. These
characteristics include a level of general education that enables the
individual to understand his or her culture and environment; the
development of skills in analysis, communication, quantification, and
synthesis necessary for further growth as a lifelong learner and a
productive member of society; the identification of a system of personal
values based on accepted ethics that lead to civic and social
responsibility; and the attainment of skills that enhance the
development of leisure activities and a healthful lifestyle. These
characteristics are attained not only through organized courses and
programs, through the intellectual and social climate of the college and
through a variety of social, cultural, civic and other educational
activities that are offered based on the needs of the community.
The following purposes stemming from this philosophy, are stated by the
college as commitments to fulfilling the overall role of the
institution:
The college is committed to providing accessible educational and
workforce development programs through which students may obtain the
skills and knowledge necessary to pursue their life's work and to become
educated members of society. Students may select an option from among:
- University parallel degree programs that prepare students to
transfer to a college or university as a junior.
- Career and professional degree programs that integrate general and
career-specific education and prepare students for immediate employment.
- Credit and non-credit certificate programs and other learning
opportunities that enable students to acquire specific training to
prepare for employment or advancement in jobs requiring skilled
employees.
- Dual enrollment programs that allow qualified high school
students to earn credits for a high school diploma and/or a
postsecondary degree.
- Distance learning programs and classes that promote accessibility
through new technologies.
The college is committed to providing the services and environment
necessary to assist its students in achieving their educational goals
and enhancing their social and physical development. These include:
- Student academic, developmental, and support services that assist
all students in achieving their goals.
- Administrative services that support students, faculty, and staff.
- An environment that is conducive to learning.
The college is committed to acting as a leader in building connections
beyond the campus and in fostering partnerships which are inspired by
common goals. In addition to offering college facilities and resources
to the community, the college accepts the responsibility for providing:
- Activities that promote community, social and civic well being.
- Courses and other activities that promote economic well being and
growth through workforce training and retraining.
- Opportunities that expand cultural experiences.
- Financial resources to enhance existing and future college program.
In all of these efforts Jefferson State is committed to providing:
- Maintenance of achievement standards consistent with accredited
collegiate institutions.
- A system of technical competency assessments and certifications that
meet the needs of business and industry.
- Accessible programs that are offered at reasonable costs.
- The establishment of partnerships with other schools, universities,
businesses, and the community at large.
- Continual improvement through on-going evaluation and advocacy of
innovation in teaching and learning.