Accreditation - Hartnell College!!

Institutional Self Evaluation – 12-05-12
I.A.4
The institution’s mission is central to institutional planning and decision making.
Descriptive Summary
The mission statement is addressed in the Program Planning and Assessment process.
Instructional and Student Support programs are asked to describe how their program relates
to the mission of the college. (I.A.16)
The mission statement is incorporated in the college‘s processes, policy discussions, and
decisions. For example, the Hartnell College Board of Trustees utilized the mission statement
in the spring of 2011 as part of a board retreat the purpose of which was to revisit the
college's mission statement to help prioritize the goals of the college. (I.A.20) This process
resulted in the board adopting goals (I.A.21) which subseqently have been replaced by board
strategic priorities in fall 2012. (I.A.22) These strategic priorities will be used by the college
in the development of the college's strategic plan during 2012-13.
In 2009 following a reduction in funding from the state, the Hartnell College faculty and staff
came together and evaluated the impact of the crisis on the college‘s ability to meet its
mission and goals. This evaluation included a review of the priorities including the
requirements for general education, majors, and basic skills. This inclusive exercise led to the
elimination of 90 sections that were deemed not to fit the list of priorities, whereas 30 new
sections were added to stay true to the mission of the college, even in a time of financial
hardship. Thus, the collective effort refocused the college on the mission and involved a
broad based effort. Moreover, all employees reduced their salaries and benefits by 5%
voluntarily. (I.A.23)
Self Evaluation
There is demonstrated evidence that the mission statement is a strong and explicit part
ofinstitutional planning and decision-making. It was integral in the development of the 2008-
2011 Educational and Facilities Master Plan, is addressed in the Program Planning and
Assessment process, and will be central to the development of future strategic planning
processes. The very first criterion listed on the review procedure for new courses or
programs—as well as course and program revisions—is ―Appropriateness to Mission,‖ and
the first prompt in the narrative portion of the Program Planning and Assessment process is:
Describe your program or service, the program’s mission, and how the program
relates to the mission of the college. Consider the following questions when
completing this section: How are students/employees served by the
program/service? What are the unique aspects of the program/service? How does
the program/service relate to the needs of the community? How does the program
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