A2000 Culture of Learning

Policy Statement

The College is committed to creating a culture of learning by intentionally fostering an engaging and inclusive learning environment that empowers students, employees, and community members to thrive, grow, and make a positive impact in our local communities and global society. The culture of learning extends beyond the classroom to include the College community as a whole. Furthermore, the College is committed to ensuring all learning opportunities are learner-focused, collaborative, and ethical, adding value to the learners’ lives and that of their families.

As it relates to the culture of learning, the College will create learning opportunities for every member of our academic community that adhere to the following principles:

• Engagement and Active Learning: The College recognizes that engagement is fundamental to learning. As such, we shall continuously seek to enhance our teaching methodology and course design to promote active participation, critical thinking, and hands-on learning experiences using a variety of different learning strategies to meet the different learning domains.
• Learner-Centered Approach: Learners are the very heart of our educational mission. We shall prioritize their unique needs, aspirations, and goals, ensuring that all our learning opportunities are designed for their holistic development.
• Learner Empowerment and Self-Directed Learning: The College recognizes the importance of learners’ ownership of their learning journeys. Our programs shall support the development of skills and self-efficacy that enable learners to become lifelong, self-directed learners and productive citizens.
• Inclusivity and Diversity: The College is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse learning community. All members shall be treated respectfully, and we shall actively work to create an environment where diverse perspectives are celebrated and valued.
• Collaboration and Interdisciplinary Learning: The College believes collaboration and interdisciplinary learning enrich the educational experience. Our programs shall encourage collaboration across disciplines and with external partners to prepare learners for high-demand, high-wage careers aligned with labor market needs.
• Ethics and Values: Essential to our educational mission, the College shall instill in our learners a strong sense of ethics, integrity, and social responsibility.
• Value-Centric Education: The College shall continually assess and improve the value of its programs. We are dedicated to offering high-quality, accessible, relevant, and career-enhancing learning opportunities.

To those ends, the College’s VPAA is directed to collaborate with the College administration, faculty, and staff to develop, cultivate, and continuously improve a transformative learning environment to ensure our learners obtain life-sustaining careers that enhance the economic vitality of our service region.