Mission, Vision & Values of Northwestern Michigan College

Northwestern Michigan College was the first comprehensive community college chartered in the State of Michigan. Since its founding in 1951, NMC has provided quality, affordable access to higher education for learners of all ages and backgrounds. NMC is integrally woven into the economic, social and cultural fabric of the region, providing leadership and support for key initiatives that shape our communities and prepare our learners for rich and meaningful lives.

Mission

Northwestern Michigan College provides lifelong learning opportunities to our communities.
(NMC Board Policy C-100.00)

Vision

NMC will be the resource of choice for higher education, lifelong learning and cultural experiences. NMC will be an essential contributor to quality of life and a vibrant economy. We will demonstrate collaborative and inventive approaches to education and training for liberal studies, careers, interests and emerging learner markets.
(NMC Board Policy C-101.00)

Values

Our individual and collective efforts create the legacy of NMC. In order to achieve our mission, we are individually committed and responsible to live these values:

Learning is at the center of all we strive to achieve. It is the foundation upon which an enlightened citizenry and a dynamic community are built and is a lifelong process in which we are all engaged.

We will continuously improve the learning experience and its relevance to those we serve through innovation, agility and thoughtful risk-taking.

Our actions are governed by the highest degree of ethics, integrity and personal responsibility, exhibited through transparency, openness and trust.

We each will practice responsible stewardship for the human, physical, financial and environmental resources entrusted to our care.

Each of us will strive to exceed expectations for quality and service in all that we do.

We value all people and will invest in their personal and professional growth and development.

We will exhibit foresight by monitoring the changing world around us and taking actions today that prepare us to meet future needs of our communities.

We will seek others who share our vision and values, and collaborate with them on behalf of our communities.

(NMC Board Policy C-102.00)

Purposes

To meet our mission, we are engaged in the following purposes:

• Transfer degree education in liberal arts and sciences.
• Associate degree education in liberal arts and sciences, and occupational studies.
• Career/occupational education and workforce development.
• Cultural and personal enrichment.
• Facilitating baccalaureate and graduate programs.
• Contributing to regional economic development.

(NMC Board Policy C-103.00)

Strategic Initiative #1

Responding to Community Learning Needs

NMC will create an appropriate mix of programs and services responsive to community learning needs.

Specific goals to include:

1. Define processes to identify, understand and respond to community learning needs.
2. Develop and implement a strategic enrollment management process and plan.
3. Plan for and use the appropriate mix of technologies in delivering learning and services.
4. Assure that academically under-prepared students are as likely to achieve their educational goal as their college-ready peers.
5. Define “open access” as it relates to student ability to benefit from, and NMC’s ability to provide, necessary programs and services.
6. Ensure the quality of learning at NMC by assessing basic academic skills (e.g., communication and critical thinking) and improving assessment methods.

Strategic Initiative #2

Resources

NMC will proactively seek new and allocate current resources to provide for changing learner needs.

Specific goals to include:

1. Define resource needs for priority areas and institutional sustainability and pursue new resources vigorously.
2. Capitalize on strategic areas of expertise and integrate them into other areas of the college.
3. Develop a better understanding of the role of adjunct faculty members in meeting our learner needs. We will ensure that our methods reflect best practices.

Strategic Initiative #3

Decision Making

NMC will clarify decision-making processes and enhance the culture of continuous improvement.

Specific goals to include:

1. Evaluate and modify decision-making processes so they are transparent, agile and action-oriented.
2. Adapt the organizational structure to complement NMC’s vision and emerging strategic initiatives.
3. Fully implement the AQIP accreditation process.