American River College is a premier learning community that transforms and enriches people's lives.
American River College is a public community college granting certificates and associate degrees. The college primarily serves residents of the six-county Greater Sacramento region who are capable of benefiting from community college instruction. This service is provided through traditional classroom instruction, off-campus centers, and distance education.
ARC exists to 1) assure students identify their educational goals and needs and 2) successfully accomplish learning in the four educational areas, listed below in alphabetical order:
Access
Students are the reason we are here, and their education is our primary responsibility. We recognize that residents of the region should have an opportunity to enroll and be successful in college.
Benefit of Education
Individuals who have the opportunities to (1) develop their abilities, (2) engage in critical and creative thinking, (3) participate in lifelong learning, (4) succeed in a competitive global work environment, and (5) exhibit responsible citizenship benefit society as well as themselves.
Communication
Achieving the ARC mission and vision requires effective communication within the college and with the communities served by the college; civil and honest, this communication should promote mutual respect and trust.
Community Development
The college's curriculum in the arts, humanities, sciences, social sciences, mathematics and career and technical education and the college's co-curricular programs and support services benefit the community by promoting cognitive development, intellectual growth, physical well-being, student volunteerism, and economic progress.
Diversity
Because ARC is a community valuing the varied perspectives and experiences of students, faculty and staff, the college offers educational opportunities for enhancing cultural awareness, supporting diversity, and promoting the free exchange of ideas and the development of a culturally competent and inclusive college community.
Employees
As our most valued resource, faculty and staff members are entitled to a safe, secure and supportive work environment and a culture that recognizes excellence, encourages meaningful involvement in interest-based, decision-making process; and provides opportunities for professional development, service and leadership.
Excellence
Excellence is essential for accomplishing ARC's mission to help students identify their educational goals and achieve successful learning and for supporting the college's employees and serving ARC's community and region.
Fiscal Responsibility
Observing fiscally sound, efficient, transparent, and accountable practices is essential to achieving our mission.
Innovation and Risk Taking
Creativity, flexibility and responsible risk-taking support achievement of the college's mission.
Leadership
Responsible leadership and service by faculty, staff and students is actively cultivated so the college can achieve improvement in student learning and support positive contributions to the community.
Research and Evaluation
Ongoing, data-based research and evaluation contribute to achieving student learning outcomes and the assurance that all operations support the vision, mission and values of the college.
Student Learning Outcomes
Student success results from identifying, assessing and improving student learning outcomes and allocating resources that support effective, innovative, and flexible learning opportunities.
Sustainability
Recognizing its leadership role in the stewardship of natural resources, ARC is committed to reducing its negative impact on the environment.
Technology
Responsible and effective use of technology supports the college's mission and helps students develop the skills necessary for being successful in the contemporary environment.
Approved by President David Viar and PCC 10/1/12
Approved by LRCCD Board of Trustees 10/24/12