Casper College - WY - Assurance Argument - 3/14/2019 Assurance Argument Casper College - WY 3/14/2019 Page 1 Casper College - WY - Assurance Argument - 3/14/2019 1 - Mission The institution’s mission is clear and articulated publicly; it guides the institution’s operations. 1.A - Core Component 1.A The institution’s mission is broadly understood within the institution and guides its operations. 1. The mission statement is developed through a process suited to the nature and culture of the institution and is adopted by the governing board. 2. The institution’s academic programs, student support services, and enrollment profile are consistent with its stated mission. 3. The institution’s planning and budgeting priorities align with and support the mission. (This sub-component may be addressed by reference to the response to Criterion 5.C.1.) Argument 1.A.1 - The Casper College mission statement is developed through a process suited to the nature and culture of the college and is adopted by the governing board. The vision, mission, values, and goals of Casper College are understood within the institution, and all serve to guide its operations. The college mission states: "Casper College is a public, comprehensive two-year institution with a primary focus on student success that provides learning opportunities to enrich the lives of our students and community." This version of the Casper College mission was most recently updated in summer 2018. The mission is part of the culture of the college. It appears on the website, college communications, recruitment materials, and on digital signs across campus. Casper College operates under the guidance and regulations of the Wyoming Community College Commission (WCCC), whose duties are outlined by Wyoming state statutes 21-18-101 through 21- 18-317. Wyoming statute 21-18-202(h)(ii) specifically addresses WCCC's responsibility toward the creation of the community colleges: Include mechanisms within the planning process which adhere to the state's interests in establishing a statewide college system identified as assuring statewide access to academic programs, career-technical education and training programs, dual and concurrent enrollment programs, remedial and continuing education programs responding to needs of students, employers and the state workforce, including program access through outreach or coordinated electronic system technology; The existing Casper College mission statement is part of the current strategic plan. During the 2010- 2011 academic year, faculty, administration, and staff members conducted a review of the vision, Page 2 Casper College - WY - Assurance Argument - 3/14/2019 mission, values, goals, and strategic plan at that time. Their recommendations went to the College President, College Council, and ultimately, the Board of Trustees for approval in spring 2011. Over time various college groups, departments, and programs changed slightly and a review and update of the mission, vision, values, and goals was undertaken in 2015. The changes were adopted by the Casper College Board of Trustees at the Board's April 2015 meeting. In July 2015 Darren Divine, Ph.D. took over as the new President of Casper College. Early in his tenure he requested that volunteers review the existing strategic plan mission, vision, values, and goals statements. The President established an ad hoc Strategic Planning Committee with 33 members from all groups of campus employees to take on the challenge. The process followed the Strategic Planning in Higher Education model to revise the Mission, Vision, Values, and Goals as well as develop next steps recommendations. The Strategic Planning Committee met twice a month. Resources for consideration and comparison were developed and provided by the facilitator. Every attempt was made to elicit, listen to, and respect all points of view. A draft Strategic Plan 2016 was released to campus at start-of-the-year events in August 2016 including presentations to all alliances, faculty senate, and decision making bodies. These presentations included an overview of the draft strategic plan, a description of the implementation plan and time for discussion and questions. Attendees all received a printed copy of the draft strategic plan. Along with the broader communication efforts outlined above, the Strategic Planning Committee also held a 44 day period for comment beginning with the public sharing of the draft during faculty and staff return week (August 17, 2016). After minor adjustments, the report was delivered to President Divine in October 2016. In February 2017 the draft plan was presented to the Casper College Board of Trustees for consideration. Individual board members added commentary and asked for clarification in late April 2017. The President's Executive Council took up review of the draft document in fall 2017 with drafts regularly reviewed internally through April 2018. The Casper College Board of Trustees received the revised draft with a request for adoption in early summer 2018. At the June 2018 regular meeting of the Board of Trustees the revised strategic plan was adopted unanimously. 1.A.2 - Casper College's Academic Programs, Services, and Enrollment Profile are consistent with the College's stated mission. Academic programs at Casper College each develop specific mission statements that add to and support the Casper College Mission statement. These individual mission statements bridge the gap between the institutional mission and specific department, program, or pathway objectives. These goals or outcomes are maintained online through periodic program review and departmental reporting, or in some cases, updates for specialized accreditors. Casper College provides opportunities to enrich the lives of students and members of the community through its various programs and services. Casper College offers 120 Associate degrees (A.A., A.A.S., A.B., A.D.N., A.F.A., and A.S.) and 43 certificate programs, 140 completely online courses, and 14 degrees and 4 certificates offered completely online. Varied opportunities for students to participate in Casper College classes include traditional face-to-face, 50-120 minute day and evening classes, hybrid classes mixing online and face-to-face elements, and online classes offered throughout three academic semesters. As a way of providing varied instructional format opportunities for Casper College students, the Digital Learning Center (DLC) offers support to both students and instructors for innovative use of technology-enhanced learning. The DLC offers training opportunities for faculty, as well as, open Page 3 Casper College - WY - Assurance Argument - 3/14/2019 hours for both students and faculty. The DLC supports a wide array of online tools to support the best learning environment for students including online tutoring; remote access to the Goodstein Foundation Library digital databases; connections to writing, math, and statistics centers; and a National College Testing Association certified testing center. The Adult Learning Center (ALC) provides educational services for adult literacy, high school equivalency preparation, citizenship, and English as a Second Language (ESL) to the central Wyoming community. The ALC at Casper College offers free assistance to out-of-school adult students, 16 years old and older, interested in improving their basic reading, writing, and math skills in order to reach their educational and employment goals. In addition, the ALC coordinates English acquisition educational services available to speakers of other languages and offers citizenship classes for those interested in becoming naturalized U.S. citizens. In addition, Casper College hosts a Center for Training and Development through its Continuing Education department. The center offers professional development services for business and industry in the Casper community through workshops, short courses, and customized training. To provide the opportunity for lifelong learners in the community, Casper College offers non-credit community education through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI). OLLI at Casper College is a program primarily for adults age 50+ who wish to continue learning and exploring without earning credits for a degree or certificate. Supported by the Bernard Osher Foundation, OLLI is a vibrant learning community offering a rich array of short courses, field trips, and lectures of particular interest to adult learners who are interested in taking short-term, non-credit classes. Casper College also provides an array of support services for students. To accomplish this, the College operates a Student Success Center that offers a wide range of resources, services, and support. The Center offers assistance with academic advising, choosing a major, registering for classes, planning a class schedule, and transferring to other colleges and universities. Career Services offers assistance with resume development, interview preparation, job searches, and planning for career advancement. Disability Support Services provides students with disabilities assistance—on campus and online. The College student support services makes available opportunities for all students to use tutoring and study resources. These include the Math Learning Center, Writing Center, Goodstein Foundation Library, Veterans Center and Club, McCann College Bookstore, Digital Learning Center, and Wellness Center. Casper College shows its commitment to providing opportunities through recruiting, enrolling, and aiding students