Introduction

This three-year plan gives specific direction to Pima Community College as we respond to our community and advance into the future. The College is committed to meeting the changing needs of our diverse student population, local employers, and the government. These initiatives respond to the needs of those constituencies using detailed strategies and specific actions. In addition, the initiatives focus on preparing the College for re-accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. All action items in the initiatives relate directly to criteria the College must meet for re-accreditation (HLC Core Components).

The initiatives focus on wide-ranging and challenging issues affecting student success and internal College operations. Two initiatives address student learning and related issues, encompassing college-wide strategies to improve teaching effectiveness and create effective learning environments, while also building upon the College’s Development Education program to improve student success. Both initiatives support our commitment to high academic standards across all programs offered by the College. One initiative will focus on the redesign of Student Services by improving internal processes and staff training. Five strategies have been developed to encourage creativity in College operations, a topic that is the focus of one initiative and has strong links to other strategies throughout the Plan. There is also a focus on improving the use of College physical assets and incorporating sustainable design and maintenance practices. Mastering technology is a common theme throughout the Plan, and is the topic of one initiative. The final initiative calls for a strengthening of administrative operations through five strategies that explore automating College operations, addressing College risk and liability, and increasing public information about operations.

Identified through the comprehensive planning process are strategies that address current College challenges and build upon existing College strengths. Lastly, the College Plan strategies respond to the wide spectrum of community needs.