Mission & Strategic Plan

A Statement of Educational Values

Studies leading to an associate degree at Whatcom Community College prepare the student for lifelong, self-directed learning and increase understanding of the value of ideas and the power of knowledge. Consequently, the learning experiences which lead to the degree will be selected from a variety of disciplines in order to further the understanding of:

• oneself and others as human beings,
• society and culture and their origins in the needs and activities of individuals,
• the history of ideas and events and one's relationship to them,
• the physical world and one's interdependence with it,
• the arts and one's own creative abilities.

The anticipated result is that the students will possess the tools of communication and learning which make continued personal and intellectual growth possible. Therefore, the College expects any student acquiring an associate degree to:

• improve occupational, academic or personal skills appropriate to each student's degree plan,
• gain college-level proficiency in reading and written and spoken communication,
• improve abilities in analytical thinking, logic and intuition and in problem solving,
• increase understanding of one's own values and the values of others in order to improve one's ability to make ethical choices,
• expand social consciousness and further define one's involvement as a contributing member of society,
• further develop the organizational and interpersonal skills necessary to achieve individual and group tasks,
• develop the skills to be an effective learner.

The associate degree is a significant step - a challenge to continued growth and the development of one's full potential for life in a changing world.

Mission Statement

Whatcom Community College is a state supported, public, comprehensive community college. Its primary mission is effective quality education designed to foster the development of students' knowledge, communication and critical thinking skills, personal integrity, global understanding, and appreciation of diversity. In preparing students for full and effective lives in a changing world, the College offers courses and associate degrees necessary for successful transfer to baccalaureate institutions; professional technical degrees and certificates; and pre-college, self-development, and community education courses and programs. The College develops and uses new educational concepts and instructional technology responsive to individual needs and changing times. It seeks to provide educational opportunities locally, nationally and internationally, to as many students as possible within the limits of state resources and creative resource development.

Affirmation of Inclusion

Whatcom Community College is committed to maintaining an environment in which every member of the College community feels welcome to participate in the life of the College, free from harassment and discrimination. We welcome people of all races, ethnicities, national origins, religions, ages, genders, sexual orientations, marital status, veteran status, abilities and disabilities. Toward that end, faculty, students and staff will:

• Treat one another with respect and dignity;
• Promote a learning and working community that ensures social justice, understanding, civility and non-violence in a safe and supportive climate;
• Influence curriculum, teaching strategies, student services and personnel practices that facilitate sensitivity and openness to diverse ideas, peoples and cultures in a creative, safe and collegial environment.

Notice of Non-Discrimination

For complete information about the college's Non-Discrimination policy, visit College Policies.

Interim Report