2020-2021 College Catalog - Vision, Mission

VISION

“Through forward-looking leadership, efficient management and the deep commitment of faculty and staff to provide the best possible teaching and learning environment, the college aims not only to meet the educational challenges of the coming decades, but to welcome them. Accordingly, New River Community College embraces the following beliefs:

“That student learning is the ultimate priority for the college and to best serve students there must be maintained the highest level of commitment achieved by focusing on the teaching/learning process and by providing support for the personal development of each student served;

“That instruction must remain the primary function of the college, with other college functions to be supportive of or complementary to the instructional program;

“That access to higher education must be provided to all who can benefit from it;

“That high quality must be maintained in all programs and services through instructional excellence, competency of faculty and staff, on-going curriculum development and improvement, and effective processes for assessment of quality;

“That the college must foster a spirit of innovation through technological advancements and through continuous improvement of programs and services;

“That a positive institutional climate must be maintained which supports high ethical standards, professionalism, faculty and staff development, and an inclusive environment based on dignity and respect for all persons;

“That the college must be community centered as reflected by comprehensive and affordable programming, linkages and partnerships with other organizations, community outreach efforts, fostering of an appreciation for education in the community, and continued responsiveness to community needs;

“That the college must support multi-cultural diversity as well as equal opportunity for all persons, and that the institution must be outward looking as it fulfills its local mission;

“That the college must focus continually on institutional effectiveness with emphasis on accountability, assessment, good management practices, employability of graduates, comprehensive planning processes, and the overall improvement of organizational effectiveness.”

MISSION

New River Community College, a member of the Virginia Community College System (VCCS), subscribes to the tenets set forth in the VCCS mission statement. This statement is as follows:

“We give everyone the opportunity to learn and develop the right skills so lives and communities are strengthened.”

In addition, New River Community College believes that all people should have a chance not only to develop and extend their skills and knowledge, but also to increase awareness of their roles and duties as citizens. The college serves the educational needs of the public and assumes a responsibility to help provide the requirements for trained workers in the New River Valley through a combined effort with local industry, business, professions, and government, including economic development efforts. The college is also dedicated to organizing programs with senior institutions as well as with those of local public school systems.

New River Community College offers certificate, diploma, and associate degree programs. The college is also committed to assisting students with decisions concerning their educational, career, and personal goals.