RVCC 2019 NECHE Self-Study

Description
Mission Statement: River Valley Community College transforms lives by providing a
quality and affordable education through innovative personal approaches to lifelong
learning and career pathways.
The mission of the College reflects the institution’s unique character, and its commitment
to serve the needs of a wide variety of student populations, including recent high school
graduates, dual enrolled students (high school and college), GED holders, first-generation
college students, veterans returning to school, adults seeking a new career, and seniors
continuing their learning. Some of our students are overcoming educational risk factors,
such as learning disabilities, physical health challenges and family instability. Many of our
students are faced with time constraints, family responsibilities and financial concerns,
including balancing multiple part-time jobs and personal and family demands. The College
has a strong tradition of supporting the success of all students. There is a deep respect for
the diverse talents and struggles of students, and a pride in celebrating each success.
Over time, changes with regard to the community demographics (business and industry),
system initiatives, and student population/ interests have required RVCC to review its
mission statement. Review of the mission statement often has coincided with the
investiture of new administration. The College’s mission statement was most recently
revised by faculty, staff and administration in February of 2017 at an All College Meeting.
This process of review ensures that the College’s mission remains an appropriate template
for our academic programs; it also supports and provides direction for student services.
The college body stated that the institutional mission should be clear and succinct so that
it could easily be remembered by the college community. Simultaneously, at the
recommendation of the administration, there was a unanimous vote by faculty and staff to
do away with the vision statement, because it appeared redundant to the new mission
statement.
College operations, organizational structure, personnel matters, academic and studentsupport
programs, and strategic and financial plans are all grounded in the mission of the
College. The mission is visible on the College’s website, Catalog, Academic Policy and
Procedure Manual, and in the Student Handbook.
River Valley Community College’s mission statement was developed to be consistent with
the Mission & Vision Statement of CCSNH.
CCSNH Mission Statement: Our purpose is to provide residents with affordable, accessible
education and training that aligns with the needs of New Hampshire’s businesses and
communities, delivered through an innovative, efficient, and collaborative system of
colleges. CCSNH is dedicated to the educational, professional, and personal success of its
students; a skilled workforce for our state’s businesses; and a strong New Hampshire
economy.
CCSNH Vision Statement: 65 by 25: To maintain New Hampshire’s positive economic
indicators, including low unemployment and high per capita income, NH will need 65% of
adults with education beyond high school. CCSNH is committed to achieving this by 2025.
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