Tacoma Community College shall provide quality educational programs in a dynamic learning environment. The college shall be accessible, comprehensive and flexible, and shall address the personal, professional and social needs of its diverse community.
Tacoma Community College is recognized as a spirited leader in emphasizing and documenting student learning. We are known for our commitment to innovation and excellence, our inclusive internal and external community, and our technology integration. We achieve this through the collective dedication and recognition of our college family.
TCC sustains itself and expands its capacity to contribute to society by identifying and appreciating the gifts, resources, talents and successes that comprise the college.
Learning
We are all lifelong learners. We progress and acquire skills, knowledge and understanding in an invigorating and technologically advanced learning environment. Together we engage in inquiry, construct meaning and develop connections that improve individual lives and promote social progress. TCC is a learning college. We design and use creative, student-centered instructional methodologies, and we respond to emerging and evolving student and community needs. TCC learners are equipped to be ethical decision makers who contribute culturally, economically and socially to the public good.
Student Support
TCC understands the range of students’ needs, and provides dynamic support systems to foster student persistence in achieving educational goals. We develop students’ ability to navigate within the learning needs and strengths. Quality advising and interdepartmental collaboration sustain students’ clearly defined educational and professional pathways, and support transitions to and through TCC. Together with our community partners we create the opportunity for learner transformation.
Diversity
TCC values diversity of our learning community, recognizing the contributions of all our members. Using persistent, intentional recruiting and retention strategies, TCC achieves a staff, faculty and student population that reflects the variety of cultures, learning styles and life experiences of our larger community. TCC engages in college-wide efforts, including conversations, mentoring, training opportunities and internal promotion to support a broad and meaningful diversity. Our innovative curriculum and community involvement create academic and professional pathways to expanded opportunities. Our passion for diversity positions TCC as a conduit between neighborhood schools and global universities and businesses. TCC’s commitment to diversity makes the college a model for an excellent, rigorous open-door education which creates social justice and equality.
Community
TCC is a collaborative organization engaged in synergistic relationships with the community we serve. We cultivate student-focused strategic partnerships with school districts, colleges, universities and employers. The college seeks the community’s wisdom through active advisory committees, mentorship, service learning and real-world experiences for students, staff and faculty. We present a welcoming face to our community through our accessible and attractive campus and reach out to our diverse communities through campus events and activities.
Excellence and Innovation
TCC holds the highest expectations for the institution, students, faculty and staff. We have high learning and performance standards, and embolden students and staff to achieve them through effective professional and leadership development. TCC celebrates and rewards achievement in a trusting and optimistic climate. We are creative, innovative and inclusive in setting and achieving our goals and identifying new resources. The college nurtures collaborative interdepartmental work, and encourages original ideas and contributions arising from individual passion and teamwork.
Learning and Working Environment
All of TCC’s sites are student-friendly facilities that are functional, safe and attractive learning and working environments. The college’s pleasant appearance reflects the college’s core values and the excellent quality of instruction. The college has the human, fiscal and technological resources to be a learning environment where people meet, create, collaborate and socialize. Our organizational and technological infrastructure utilizes efficient operational processes that effectively support an excellent learning, teaching and working environment.
Implementation Goals 2006-2007
Learning
- Increase effectiveness of teaching and learning and its evaluation
- Increase the number of developmental students who are prepared for college level work.
- Increase the number of students who persist to goal attainment:
- Prepared to transfer
- Prepared to work
- Demonstrated skill gain in ABE/ESL.
- Infuse, enhance, and promote diversity throughout teaching and learning
Student Support
- Increase the success and completion rates of ‘at-risk’ students.
- Increase student awareness and participation in learning and support services.
- Enhance Counseling and Advising services.
Diversity
- Recruit and retain a student population that reflects the diversity of our community.
- Recruit and retain faculty and staff that reflect the diversity of our community.
- Make and document progress towards a more multi-culturally welcoming campus community.
Community
- Increase TCC partnerships and college visibility as a preferred community partner.
- Increase Participation by adults and seniors in TCC programs and services.
- Expand real world experiences for faculty and students through collaborative projects with businesses and other community organizations.
Excellence and Innovation
- Improve student and employee professional and leadership competencies
- Increase financial resources to support TCC initiatives
- Improve Interdepartmental/interdivisional communication to enhance student success
Learning and Working Environment
- Improve learning and working information systems
- Enhance the campus physical appearance
- Improve learning and working environment
A student learning outcome is what program faculty intend for a student to be able to think, know, do or accomplish.
TCC college-wide student learning outcomes are broadly stated and occur within the entire learning environment of the college. All degree recipients will achieve measurable learning in the following six areas.
Communication
To listen, speak, read, write and use nonverbal and technological means to make connections between self and others.
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
To define tasks and resolve problems by gathering, organizing, analyzing, and evaluating information and ideas.
Information and Information Technology
To recognize when information is needed, to locate, evaluate, and use the needed information, and to use information technology to support learning.
Living and Working Cooperatively
To develop an understanding of the uniqueness of self and others, demonstrate openness toward diverse points of view, and draw upon knowledge and experience of others to function as a team member, in a multicultural world.
Responsibility & Ethics
To accept responsibility for learning, and to recognize and understand the importance of responsible and ethical behavior toward individuals, the community, and the environment.
Core of Knowledge
To acquire a substantial body of knowledge related to students’ degree objectives, from a broad-based curriculum. Arts and Sciences students will also understand the following aspects of the humanities, quantitative skills, natural sciences, and social sciences:
- The general methods employed by each
- The unique perspectives and assumptions of each
- The relationship of each to their areas of study
Adopted 1995
Updated 5/6/08
