Vision, Mission, Values, Desired Student Abilities,
Strategic Directions and Goals
November 2005

Vision Statement
Grays Harbor College is committed to being the premier choice for excellence in education, training, and services, responsive to the diverse needs of our communities.

• Accessibility
• Community
• Diversity
• Excellence
• Integrity
• Learning
• Respect
• Success
• Leadership

• Competency in the Disciplines
• Literacy
• Critical Thinking
• Social and Personal Responsibility
• Information Use

Adopted February 21, 2006 by the Grays Harbor College Board of Trustees.

Strategic Directions:
Below are the six Strategic Directions and the 26 College-wide Goals that will guide the planning, decisions, and resource allocation for all GHC programs during the next two years. The college community will develop specific, measurable Strategies to focus our collective efforts and accomplish these goals.

Strategies will be assessed at the end of one year but may be continued through the second year or beyond.

Strategic Direction 1: Instruction
Evaluate program offerings, scheduling, and resources across the district in order to formulate a comprehensive plan to meet the needs of our students and communities while promoting educational excellence in teaching and learning in accordance with the Desired Student Abilities.

Goal 1.1: Develop and implement a system to evaluate all instructional programs to identify community needs for new programs, growth, continued status, or possible elimination.

Goal 1.2: Create a class schedule that is more flexible and provides options for the diverse community of students in our district.

Goal 1.3: Expand faculty professional development opportunities that enhance teaching and learning.

Goal 1.4: Explore and implement ways to improve articulation with K-12 and 4-year colleges.

Goal 1.5: Support innovation and excellence in programming in alignment with the Desired Student Abilities.

Strategic Direction 2: College Climate and Staffing
Evaluate and enhance college climate by providing effective leadership and promoting productive and satisfying relationships among constituencies.

Goal 2.1: Support professional development for all constituencies, including team training and leadership development.

Goal 2.2: Develop and implement a plan for staffing based on need, as made evident through data and information.

Goal 2.3: Increase communication and collaboration among constituent groups to provide an environment in which all people feel respected and valued.

Goal 2.4: Increase coordination between internal departments.

Goal 2.5: Enhance appreciation for the richness of diversity through hiring, student outreach, professional development opportunities, and workshops.

Strategic Direction 3: Communications & Outreach
Develop and implement a comprehensive (internal and external) communications and outreach plan to increase student and community access and enrollments, and to communicate a positive image of the college to the communities it serves.

Goal 3.1: Design and implement systems that increase awareness, outreach and collaboration with K-12 constituents including district boards, administration, staff and students.

Goal 3.2: Continue to foster opportunities for cultural growth and awareness among students, staff and the community.

Goal 3.3: Develop systems to build and strengthen communication and partnerships with the larger community including nonprofit organizations, labor, industry, government agencies, colleges and universities, and community and service groups.

Goal 3.4: Assess and improve communication systems for engaging staff, students, and community, contributing to the promotion of a positive image of GHC.

Goal 3.5: Design and implement systems that identify and enhance communication with underserved and untapped populations.

Strategic Direction 4: Resources and Budget
Align budget, resource allocation, operations, and decision-making with the Strategic Plan and the mission of the college.

Goal 4.1: Create an environment that ensures participation and communication regarding the budget process.

Goal 4.2: Explore, identify and implement options for alternative resources to support the college and its mission.

Goal 4.3: Explore, refine, and develop a plan to increase scholarship opportunities.

Strategic Direction 5: Student Services
Develop and implement a plan for the enhancement of student services and programs to support success for current and prospective students.

Goal 5.1: Develop and implement a student centered plan to improve advising and entry services for all students, including students at outreach campuses and distance education students.

Goal 5.2: Develop support systems for non-traditional student groups (ie, middle-aged and seniors, Hispanic population and other underserved groups).

Goal 5.3: Provide more opportunities to enhance student learning experiences and social development through student activities outside of the classroom.

Strategic Direction 6: Technology/Equipment/Facilities
Develop and communicate a comprehensive, college-wide vision for the integration of technology, equipment and facilities including appropriate training for all staff.

Goal 6.1: Develop and implement a process for assessing instructional and administrative technology needs.

Goal 6.2: Develop and implement a comprehensive and college wide plan for technology purchases, updates and maintenance, based on needs assessment.

Goal 6.3: Develop and implement a comprehensive and college wide plan for equipment and facilities purchases, updates and maintenance.

Goal 6.4: Provide technology training opportunities for faculty and staff.

Goal 6.5: Develop and implement a comprehensive plan for safety and security at all college facilities.

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