Our Mission, Vision, and Core Values

College Vision and Mission

In March 2019, the Board of Trustees adopted a new vision statement for Richland Community College: to be the best and first choice for education.

The Board of Trustees adopted a new mission statement in March 2019: To empower individuals through learning and to forge partnerships that grow communities.

Richland Community College achieves its mission and purpose by offering the following programs:

The first two years of a baccalaureate education;
Technical courses, certificates, and degrees designed to provide job training, retraining, and upgrading of skills;
Basic educational skills designed to prepare students to engage in college-level study;
Continuing and community education courses and programs designed to provide and encourage opportunities for lifelong learning;
Student development programs and services designed to help students identify educational and career goals, set realistic career paths, and develop skills necessary to achieve intellectual and personal growth;
Academic programs and services that provide supplemental support to both teaching and learning;
Community education activities and programs that complement, enhance, and contribute to the growth and enrichment of students and the community, both inside and outside of the classroom; and
Community service activities and programs that promote linkages with business, industry, and governmental agencies designed to meet the changing needs of the market place and promote economic growth in Central Illinois.

Core Values

Also in 1989, an Administrator’s Creed was developed to establish a viewpoint, framework, and tone from which the College’s leaders would lead. The Administrator’s Creed was reviewed in 2008; at that time, the Values and Tenets for Richland Community College Employees, utilizing the College’s Core Values, definitions, and affirmation statements, replaced the Administrator’s Creed.

The moral character of an educational organization is reflective of its leadership. Among those involved in the art and science of teaching, it is imperative that both teachers and leaders demonstrate a strong commitment to good principle and ethical behavior.

The fundamental contributions of education to society demand commitment to exemplary values. At Richland Community College, these values are embodied in our Core Values, which were adopted by the Board of Trustees in 2003. In 2008, the Core Values replaced the Administrator’s Creed. The Core Values were reaffirmed by the Board of Trustees in April 2015.

These Core Values serve as the guiding principles for Richland Community College and its employees.

Commitment

We are dedicated to meeting the needs of the communities we serve. We

Strive and maintain a quality educational experience.
Support the mission and vision of the College.
Focus on student and stakeholder needs.
Respond to the changing needs of our communities in a timely manner.
Create new programs and services to meet identified needs.
Continuously evaluate and improve programs, services, systems, and policies.
Utilize a shared decision-making process.

Respect

We recognize the expertise of all members of the College community and encourage individual contributions. We

Include stakeholders in the decisions that affect them.
Treat people with dignity and encourage feelings of self-worth.
Promote trust through truthfulness, professional courtesy, and fair treatment.
Recognize and support employee and student contributions.
Demonstrate faith in and reliance on the integrity and abilities of others.

Excellence

We strive to develop and pursue higher standards. We

Exhibit quality in staffing, facilities, programs, and services.
Promote continuous improvement.
Anticipate needs and respond accordingly.
Encourage creativity and innovation.
Utilize systems that promote student and employee success.
Exceed student and stakeholder expectations.
Encourage decision-making at the level of implementation.
Encourage interdepartmental collaboration.
Support risk-taking and view setbacks as learning experiences.

Accountability

We assume and demonstrate responsibility for our actions. We

Take responsibility for personal and professional growth and development.
Continuously evaluate and improve our systems and policies.
Establish and communicate clearly defined and articulated goals and objectives.
Establish and communicate clearly the standards and expectations of staff.
Ensure our work adds value to the College and District.
Demonstrate fiscal and social responsibility.

Diversity

We believe that our similarities and differences are opportunities for establishing a common bond and strengthening the College. We

Employ a College workforce that reflects the community we serve.
Ensure fair and equal access for all.
Recognize, appreciate, and celebrate the strength of diversity.
Provide educational experiences that promote a greater appreciation for diversity.
Implement learning activities that integrate diversity topics in the classroom.
Seek and consider multiple points of view.