ARC Vision
American River College is a premier learning community that transforms and enriches people's lives.
ARC Mission
American River College is a public community college granting certificates and associate degrees. Although the college serves people from a variety of geographical areas, it primarily serves the adult residents of the five-county Greater Sacramento region who are capable of benefiting from community college instruction.
ARC exists to ensure students identify their educational goals and needs and successfully accomplish student learning in the following broad educational areas:
ARC Values
Access
Students are the reason we are here and their education is our primary responsibility. Therefore we recognize that residents of the region are entitled to an opportunity to attend and to be successful in college.
Benefit of Education
Individuals and society benefit from citizens who achieve the full extent of their personal, intellectual, and physical ability; engage in critical and creative thinking; exhibit responsible citizenship; succeed in a competitive global work environment; and participate in lifelong learning.
Excellence
Excellence in instruction and student services is essential to develop the full potential of each student.
Leadership
Responsible leadership and service among all faculty, staff, and students are nurtured and encouraged so the college will be a leader for positive change, growth, and transformation in student oriented educational practices.
Student Learning Outcomes
Identification and assessment of student learning outcomes promotes and improves student success and the effective use of resources to create innovative and flexible learning opportunities.
Diversity
ARC is a community enriched by the experience of students, faculty, staff, and administrators from a variety of cultures, ethnic and economic backgrounds, ages and abilities. A commitment to providing and nurturing a safe environment for the free exchange of ideas with sensitivity, civility and mutual respect is essential.
Community Development
The curricular and co-curricular programs and services of the college benefit the region served through enhanced intellectual and physical growth, economic development, and exposure to the arts, sciences, and humanities.
Human Resources
Faculty and staff members are our most important resources and are entitled to a supportive collegial work environment that recognizes excellence, provides opportunities for professional development, service and leadership, and encourages meaningful involvement in an interest-based decision-making process.
Communication
Achievement of the ARC mission and vision requires an effective system of communication with internal and external constituencies that is based on honesty, trust, civility, and mutual respect.
Innovation and Risk Taking
Addressing challenges and change requires creativity, flexibility, and responsible risk-taking to achieve our vision, mission and goals.
Fiscal Responsibility
It is necessary to maintain a fiscally sound, efficient, and effective operation that achieves our mission within the resources available.
Evaluation
Efficient and effective accomplishment of the ARC mission, vision, and student learning outcomes requires regular and ongoing data-based evaluation.
February 4, 2008