WNCC 2010 Self-Study Report - Western Nebraska Community ...
WNCC 2010 Self-Study Report - Western Nebraska Community ...
WNCC 2010 Self-Study Report - Western Nebraska Community ...
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Criterion Two: Preparing for the Future<br />
The organization’s allocation of resources and its processes for evaluation<br />
and planning demonstrate its capacity to fulfill its mission, improve the<br />
quality of its education, and respond to future challenges and<br />
opportunities.<br />
The mission of <strong>Western</strong> <strong>Nebraska</strong> <strong>Community</strong> College (<strong>WNCC</strong>) has always focused on providing<br />
quality education and support services to a diverse student population. During recent years, <strong>WNCC</strong><br />
has witnessed many changes that directly impact higher education. Among these are the<br />
continued evolution of the Internet and electronic media and the emergence of the global economy.<br />
The recent economic downturn has put additional pressure on institutions of higher education to<br />
continue to deliver quality educational programs while relying upon diminishing financial resources.<br />
The College must ensure the institution adapts appropriately to these and future challenges.<br />
Core Component 2a: The organization realistically prepares for a future<br />
shaped by multiple societal and economic trends.<br />
The institution monitors cultural, academic, and economic trends in a variety of ways, both<br />
systematically and informally, such as understanding regional impact through the Educational<br />
Modeling Specialist Incorporated (EMSI) report (formerly CC benefits), as well as using the job<br />
prospect function of that system to survey the potential for graduate employment when considering<br />
program creation or modifications. <strong>WNCC</strong> continues to use results from numerous reports and<br />
studies to acquire information regarding the current environment in which the College serves. In<br />
the summer of 2009, <strong>WNCC</strong> authorized a socio-economic impact study (conducted by Clarus<br />
Corporation) in order to begin the revised <strong>2010</strong> strategic planning process. A study of institutional<br />
efficiency by the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems has also begun.<br />
Planning the future by heeding national trends, employees of <strong>WNCC</strong> participate in the P-16<br />
Initiative designed to create better transitions from high school to college, as well as regional<br />
conferences such as a recent one on wind energy relating to a proposed project in Banner County<br />
(immediately south adjacent to Scotts Bluff County). <strong>WNCC</strong> administers Carl D. Perkins funds and<br />
belongs to the <strong>Nebraska</strong> consortium called Partners for Innovation, a state-wide educational<br />
leadership and development group funded by individual associations dedicating 10% of its Perkins<br />
funds. The high school academies and various projects for curricular alignment with high schools<br />
arise from this group.<br />
Strategic Planning<br />
Strategic plans have been updated for major areas of the College such as educational, student,<br />
and outreach services, as well as IT; these plans guide individual units for the next 2-3 years and<br />
will serve partially as a basis for <strong>WNCC</strong>’s overall strategic plan when a new one is created.<br />
In response to student demand and information gained from studies and surveys like the<br />
Educational Modeling Specialist Incorporated (EMSI) reports, <strong>WNCC</strong> has implemented many<br />
changes in both facilities and programs since the last self-study, as was described in an earlier<br />
<strong>Western</strong> <strong>Nebraska</strong> <strong>Community</strong> College Page 67