The Mission is carried out by:

• Providing educational preparation to students for transfer to a baccalaureate or professional degree granting institution.
• Providing instruction to enable students to complete specific vocational degrees and certificates.
• Providing occupational training, retraining, and/or upgrading of skills to meet individual, local, and state needs.
• Providing developmental and general education designed to meet individual educational goals.
• Supporting economic development through partnerships with business, industry, chambers of commerce, units of local government, and other educational institutions.
• Providing a range of student support services that recognizes and supports the educational goals and needs of a diverse student population.
• Providing community education designed to meet local cultural needs and encourage life-long learning.
• Providing community access as an open-door institution to all college services and facilities.
• Providing opportunities that enhance cultural understanding through international education.

The above items are listed in the order of decreasing priority as determined by the Board of Trustees in December 1994 and reaffirmed in August 1997.

The mission will be supported by programs and services that:

• Measure learning.
• Are affordable for learners.
• Focus on student and community needs.
• Utilize appropriate learning strategies.
• Consider the interdependency of many cultures.
• Collaborate with other providers and agencies.

Highland Community College has identified a set of employee characteristics that it believes each employee must possess in order for the College to successfully achieve its stated mission and goals. It is expected that each employee does possess these characteristics and will strive to strengthen and enhance these characteristics as they continue their employment with Highland Community College.

COMMITMENT
Highland employees are student-centered. Our employees have the basic job knowledge and time management skills with the desire to produce quality work in an effective and efficient manner.

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS
Highland employees are committed to demonstrating a positive, caring and respectful attitude in our relationships with students, colleagues and our communities. Our employees value cooperation, effective communication and teamwork.

LIFELONG LEARNER
Highland employees are open to change, adaptable, display initiative and pursue creative improvement.

SOUND JUDGEMENT
Highland employees are honest, sincere, respect confidentiality and are ethical in their professional relationships.


Highland’s Service Standards

Courtesy – The key to good service. Attention to customers, both internal and external, is crucial. I will remember that whatever task I am engaged in, I will stop to welcome a customer with a smile and acknowledge that individual’s needs.
Learning – The key to a learning institution. Incorporate learning into everything we do. I will consistently learn more about my job and those who need my service, and I will help them learn from the service I provide.
Effective Communication – Important to the college culture. We must disseminate the right information to the right people, at the right time, in the right medium. Good communication will open avenues to valuable outcomes.
Cleanliness, Security & Safety – We must have an inviting environment for our colleagues, students and visitors. These must never be sacrificed.