Introduction

This two-year strategic plan gives specific direction to Pima Community College as we respond to the needs of our community and prepare for future challenges and opportunities. The College is committed to meeting the changing needs of our diverse student population, local employers, and the government. The five initiatives that constitute this plan were designed to respond to the current and upcoming needs of those constituencies through focused strategies and specific actions. In addition, initiative content includes actions specifically intended to address and build upon feedback from the Fall 2010 reaccreditation visit by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Overall, four of the five initiatives are related to student success and increased opportunities for students. The first of these is centered on developmental education. As the College has recognized in previous plans, developmental education is a challenge for institutions nationwide. The initiative in this plan aims to overhaul the developmental education system to better serve students. The second initiative continues the College’s ongoing effort to improve student success and help students achieve their educational goals. The third initiative focuses on improvements to the way courses are provided and delivered at the College. The fourth initiative seeks to expand educational and workforce opportunities for students and deepen the College’s relationship with the community. This involves developing partnerships and programs that help students transition after completing their goals at the College.

The fifth and final initiative focuses on internal College challenges and opportunities. Through its various strategies, this initiative is designed to improve the decision-making process at the College, ensure that the hiring process effectively recruits quality employees, improve communication within and between College entities, and effectively prepare the College for external funding opportunities.

Identified through the comprehensive planning process, all of these initiatives and their underlying strategies address current and upcoming College challenges, build upon existing College strengths, re-evaluate current College processes, and respond to the wide spectrum of community needs.