STRATEGIC PLAN 2012-2014Strategic Mission -- Focus all decisions, policies, and initiatives on meeting the educational/co-educational needs of Tunxis Community College students. Moreover, make the goals and purposes of our educational programs and support services explicit and public.Strategic Vision Statement -- Tunxis will continue to be a model of quality teaching, student-centered learning, and institutional effectiveness in implementing outcomes/ability-based education and evidence-based decision making. Each of the strategic initiatives outlined below is transformational involving a major cultural change designed to significantly enhance student success and the organizational strength of the College. Building on a deserved reputation for excellence, dedicated and creative faculty and staff, visionary leadership, and the significant progress already made, Tunxis is well placed to fully realize its potential as a preeminent educational and cultural center.Tunxis Community CollegeTCC_e746de7e-773c-40eb-aaa4-fef98f501f43Farmington, ConnecticutTunxis Community College Institutional Effectiveness CommitteeMEMBERS OF THE INSTITUTIONAL EFFECTIVENESS COMMITTEE (2010/2011)Mary BencivengoAllied Health Faculty RepresentativeRobert BrownHumanities Faculty Representative Candace CarboneBusiness and Technology Faculty RepresentativeJean-Marc CenetMathematics and Science Faculty RepresentativeChuck ClearyDean of Administration (ex officio)Francena DwyerAcademic Assessment Planner/Ability Assessment Team ChairDavid EnglandDean of Institutional Effectiveness and Outreach (ex officio)Nancy EschenbrennerAdministrative Services Representative, FinanceSusan GentryAcademic Strategies Faculty RepresentativeChristina GotowkaSocial Sciences Faculty RepresentativeKimberly JamesAcademic Advising Center RepresentativePamela KowarDirector of Human Resources (ex officio)Melissa LamarMarketing & Public Relations RepresentativeLisa LavoieLibrary Services RepresentativeVictor MitchellContinuing Education and Workforce Development RepresentativeKirk PetersDean of Student Services (ex officio)James RevilliniInstitutional Research RepresentativeMichael RookeDean of Academic Affairs (ex officio)Kathy SchwagerStudent Services Representative, Academic Support CenterJohn TimmonsArts and Media Faculty RepresentativeRob WahlAdministrative Services Representative, Information TechnologyVacant Student RepresentativeTunxis Community College will be a vibrant educational and cultural center responsive to current as well as emerging student and community needs._8627ef92-a00d-11e4-819d-3d78c84e4dfaTunxis Community College offers its students a quality, yet affordable, education in an accessible and supportive environment, fostering the skills necessary to succeed in an increasingly complex world._8627f208-a00d-11e4-819d-3d78c84e4dfaINTEGRITYWe value and demonstrate openness and honesty, resolving differences with civility and without reprisals. We speak and act truthfully, without hidden agendas. We admit our mistakes, say when we do not know, and honor our commitments. We avoid silence when it may mislead; we seek root causes and solve problems. RESPONSIBILITYWe value institutional and individual accountability, defined as doing what needs to be done in a timely and competent manner. By acceptance of personal responsibility for our own actions and decisions, we help to create a college at which we are proud to work.RESPECTWe treat others fairly and with dignity. We value and honor each other in our diversity.EXCELLENCEWe value continuous improvement and growth in every area of college life. We value collaboration, cooperation, teamwork, innovation, and creative problem solving in our continuous improvement efforts. We value the courage to take risks and provide leadership.OPEN COMMUNICATIONWe share information, ideas, and feelings -- listening carefully, speaking forthrightly, respecting diverse views, participating productively in dialogue and conversations. We welcome paradox and constructive conflict as we move toward consensus.HUMORHUMOR AND WELL-BEING -- We value laughter, play, love, kindness, celebration, and joy in our learning and work -- taking our learning and work seriously and ourselves lightly. WELL-BEINGStudent Success [Enable] student mastery of the General Education Abilities and continuous improvement in Student Success Outcomes_8627f596-a00d-11e4-819d-3d78c84e4dfa1Strategic Rationale -- Student success is central to all we do and thus it is the primary strategic objective. Student success is defined by student mastery of the General Education Abilities and continuous improvement in Student Success Outcomes (employment preparation and placement, transfer preparation, developmental education effectiveness, and student persistence, goal attainment, graduation, and satisfaction). Action Plan -- NOTE: The following are projects and efforts recommended by the Institutional Effectiveness Committee to accomplish this goal. They are not in priority order, and our capacity to undertake them will be limited by anticipated cuts in state funding. Other projects and efforts may be identified and undertaken by the College's work groups as part of the Tactical Planning Process.First-Year ProgramDesign and implement a comprehensive First-Year Program with input from all areas of the College._8627f6b8-a00d-11e4-819d-3d78c84e4dfa1.1Developmental CoursesContinuously improve the success of students in developmental courses._8627f924-a00d-11e4-819d-3d78c84e4dfa1.2MathExplore and implement strategies to improve student success in math, particularly developmental math._8627fa46-a00d-11e4-819d-3d78c84e4dfa1.3OutreachImprove outreach to service area high schools to improve student preparation for college._8627fac8-a00d-11e4-819d-3d78c84e4dfa1.4Academic AdvisingImprove academic advising._8627fbe0-a00d-11e4-819d-3d78c84e4dfa1.5Degree/Certificate CompletionDevelop a degree/certificate completion centered advising plan._8627fd7a-a00d-11e4-819d-3d78c84e4dfa1.5.1Co-Curricular ActivitiesStrengthen the commitment to co-curricular activities which reflect and enhance the curriculum and/or support community involvement, service learning, and internships._8627fe24-a00d-11e4-819d-3d78c84e4dfa1.6At-Risk StudentsDevelop programs for at-risk students._8627ff32-a00d-11e4-819d-3d78c84e4dfa1.7At-Risk StudentsAcademically Gifted StudentsDevelop programs for academically gifted students._86280022-a00d-11e4-819d-3d78c84e4dfa1.8Academically Gifted StudentsArticulation AgreementsStrengthen and expand articulation agreements._86280108-a00d-11e4-819d-3d78c84e4dfa1.9High-Growth OccupationsPromote/expand existing and consider new programs that prepare students for high growth occupations._8628020c-a00d-11e4-819d-3d78c84e4dfa1.10Underrepresented GroupsDevelop relationships with underrepresented groups and the community organizations that serve them._8628034c-a00d-11e4-819d-3d78c84e4dfa1.11Underrepresented GroupsUnderrepresented CommunitiesDiversityRecruit diverse faculty and staff who will provide a variety of perspectives for all students and strengthen our understanding of the specific challenges faced by many members of our minority student body._862803d8-a00d-11e4-819d-3d78c84e4dfa1.12Tunxis Community College FacultyTunxis Community College StaffAssessment Provide decision-relevant information to enhance our capacity for continuous improvement and assure our ability to meet student needs._862804be-a00d-11e4-819d-3d78c84e4dfa2Strategic Rationale -- Assessment provides adequate and reliable decision-relevant information to enhance our capacity for continuous improvement and assures our ongoing ability to meet student needs. Such information will inform strategic and tactical planning efforts by providing data to identify strengths, weaknesses, threats, and opportunities, and also by providing a wealth of data to assess their significance. Ability-based assessment is a consistent and comprehensive method of assessing learning that compliments the traditional grade-based system. Properly conceived, this method will allow the College to focus on student-centered teaching and learning, assess the effectiveness of our programs in helping students to learn, substantiate grant requests, fulfill the requirements of accreditation, and foster confidence in our ability to manage and deploy resources. This assessment system for the College will provide evidence of our students' ability to demonstrate competence in specific skills and abilities on a continuing basis. Action Plan -- NOTE: The following are projects and efforts recommended by the Institutional Effectiveness Committee to accomplish this goal. They are not in priority order, and our capacity to undertake them will be limited by anticipated cuts in state funding. Other projects and efforts may be identified and undertaken by the College’s work groups as part of the Tactical Planning Process.Decision MakingUse research data to implement evidence-based decision making in all spheres of the College's activities._862805b8-a00d-11e4-819d-3d78c84e4dfa2.1EvaluationEnsure that every department and organizational unit undertakes regular evaluation of its performance._862806d0-a00d-11e4-819d-3d78c84e4dfa2.2Professional DevelopmentPromote and provide professional development that will improve assessment._86280798-a00d-11e4-819d-3d78c84e4dfa2.3Data CollectionWithin all the student support services, develop better data collection systems and determine how we will evaluate the effectiveness of our services in assisting students._862808e2-a00d-11e4-819d-3d78c84e4dfa2.4InputProvide systematic opportunities for input from students._8628098c-a00d-11e4-819d-3d78c84e4dfa2.5Tunxis Community College StudentsAbility-Based Education[Support] ability-based education_86280a7c-a00d-11e4-819d-3d78c84e4dfa2.6Ability GroupsReconstitute the Ability Groups and include broad representation with staff from administrative/student services, full-time and adjunct faculty, deans, and students._86280b8a-a00d-11e4-819d-3d78c84e4dfa2.6.1Tunxis Community College StaffTunxis Community College FacultyTunxis Community College DeansTunxis Community College StudentsMeetings & ActivitiesEstablish and maintain a continuous and structured schedule of meetings and activities to advance the work of the Ability Groups._86280c7a-a00d-11e4-819d-3d78c84e4dfa2.6.2Principles & OutcomesMake principles and outcomes explicit and public._86280e5a-a00d-11e4-819d-3d78c84e4dfa2.6.2.1Number of AbilitiesConsider reducing the number of abilities._86280f72-a00d-11e4-819d-3d78c84e4dfa2.6.3Program AssessmentsContinue work with program coordinators on baseline, interim, and capstone assessments of the abilities in each program._8628106c-a00d-11e4-819d-3d78c84e4dfa2.6.4RefinementCompile, discuss, and refine assessments through interaction between Ability Groups and faculty._86281166-a00d-11e4-819d-3d78c84e4dfa2.6.5Tunxis Community College Ability GroupsTunxis Community College FacultyCoursesEmbed ability assessment into courses._86281292-a00d-11e4-819d-3d78c84e4dfa2.6.6Assessment ToolsDevelop appropriate departmental and institutional assessment tools._862813a0-a00d-11e4-819d-3d78c84e4dfa2.6.6.1CommunicationContinue to solicit student opinion and communicate comprehensively to students._862814a4-a00d-11e4-819d-3d78c84e4dfa2.6.7Tunxis Community College StudentsCollaboration Collaborate and integrate efforts of all divisions of the College to engage and empower students._862815bc-a00d-11e4-819d-3d78c84e4dfa3Tunxis Community College Academic DivisionsTunxis Community College Student DivisionTunxis Community College Institutional Effectiveness and Outreach DivisionTunxis Community College Administrative DivisionStrategic Rationale -- Institutional effectiveness requires communication and collaboration across not only the academic disciplines but also among the academic, student services, and administrative services divisions. In this respect the learning enterprise requires close collaboration and integration of efforts of all divisions of the College (Academic, Student, Institutional Effectiveness and Outreach, and Administrative Divisions) to engage and empower students and integrate all aspects of their learning experience. Action Plan -- NOTE: The following are projects and efforts recommended by the Institutional Effectiveness Committee to accomplish this goal. They are not in priority order, and our capacity to undertake them will be limited by anticipated cuts in state funding. Other projects and efforts may be identified and undertaken by the College’s work groups as part of the Tactical Planning Process.All-College MeetingsHold at least one all-college meeting each year._862816ca-a00d-11e4-819d-3d78c84e4dfa3.1Feature examples of service excellence.Concerns & CelebrationsRespond to areas of concern and celebration that are identified in advance and at the meeting._862817ec-a00d-11e4-819d-3d78c84e4dfa3.2Employee OrientationCreate and implement an employee orientation to the "Values and Principles."_8628190e-a00d-11e4-819d-3d78c84e4dfa3.3Tunxis Community College EmployeesCivility, Cooperation & CollaborationEncourage work groups to identify and implement initiatives that contribute to the improvement of internal civility, cooperation and collaboration._86281a26-a00d-11e4-819d-3d78c84e4dfa3.4Student InputRegularly gather student input through a variety of methods, including committee assignments, forums, and focus groups._86281b66-a00d-11e4-819d-3d78c84e4dfa3.5Tunxis Community College StudentsStudent SuccessDevelop more collaborative efforts between Academic Affairs and Student Affairs to enhance student success._86281ca6-a00d-11e4-819d-3d78c84e4dfa3.6Tunxis Community College Academic Affairs OfficeTunxis Community College Student Affairs OfficeInputRegularly gather and consider input from all constituencies._86281ddc-a00d-11e4-819d-3d78c84e4dfa3.7Community Add value to the communities we serve._86281f4e-a00d-11e4-819d-3d78c84e4dfa4Strategic Rationale -- Tunxis Community College is a significant asset to the region but has the potential to add even more value to the communities it serves. To make that possible, it is necessary to expand our current efforts to inform the public, schools, businesses, governmental entities, and community organizations of the many strengths and areas of excellence at the College. We should adopt a more comprehensive view of marketing and admissions recruitment efforts, in which a variety of promotional vehicles are utilized. As part of the marketing strategy, focus should also be given to developing and managing special relationships and partnerships, as well as product (service/program) development and research. These efforts require the collaboration of marketing and admissions with faculty, as well as institutional research, academic affairs, and workforce development and continuing education. Rather than simply "selling" our programs to potential students, we should continue to increase the visibility of the College in the whole community and address all relevant publics. Action Plan -- NOTE: The following are projects and efforts recommended by the Institutional Effectiveness Committee to accomplish this goal. They are not in priority order, and our capacity to undertake them will be limited by anticipated cuts in state funding. Other projects and efforts may be identified and undertaken by the College’s work groups as part of the Tactical Planning ProcessCultural CenterSustain our vibrant cultural center responsive to community needs through the library, workshops, field trips, concerts, symposiums, guest speakers, and visiting artists._86282106-a00d-11e4-819d-3d78c84e4dfa4.1Extracurricular InitiativesInform external constituencies about the innovative extracurricular initiatives that occur regularly on campus._8628225a-a00d-11e4-819d-3d78c84e4dfa4.2Liberal Arts & SciencesPresent the community college as a cost effective alternative for college-level students who wish to pursue a high-quality Liberal Arts and Sciences curriculum, particularly for transfer to baccalaureate institutions._862823a4-a00d-11e4-819d-3d78c84e4dfa4.3Non-Credit OfferingsMaintain ongoing contact with the community and area businesses to identify and pursue opportunities to expand non-credit offerings._8628252a-a00d-11e4-819d-3d78c84e4dfa4.4Farmington, ConnecticutBusinesses in Farmington, ConnecticutAdult EnrollmentUtilize advertising and other strategies to increase the enrollment of adults age 25-40, the fastest growing age group in our service area, and other markets identified through research._86282674-a00d-11e4-819d-3d78c84e4dfa4.5Adults in Farmington, ConnecticutUniversity TransferFocus a significant amount of the College's public relations efforts on university transfer._862827d2-a00d-11e4-819d-3d78c84e4dfa4.6ResourcesPrudently utilize available resources seek additional resources to support critical services and needs._8628294e-a00d-11e4-819d-3d78c84e4dfa5Strategic Rationale-- Like many other states, Connecticut is facing a fiscal crisis, and resources for all public services, including community colleges, are scarce. Accordingly, the College needs to prudently and carefully utilize the resources that are available and seek additional resources to support critical services and needs. Action Plan -- NOTE: The following are projects and efforts recommended by the Institutional Effectiveness Committee to accomplish this goal. They are not in priority order, and our capacity to undertake them will be limited by anticipated cuts in state funding. Other projects and efforts may be identified and undertaken by the College’s work groups as part of the Tactical Planning Process.Programs, Departments & OfficesSystematically examine the cost and viability of programs, departments and offices in the context of available resources._86282a98-a00d-11e4-819d-3d78c84e4dfa5.1Budget PlanningLink budget planning to strategic goals._86282bec-a00d-11e4-819d-3d78c84e4dfa5.2Technology ResourcesExpand technology resources, including computer labs, ePortfolio lab hours and assistants, and departmental needs, to meet growing student demand._86282d72-a00d-11e4-819d-3d78c84e4dfa5.3External FundingPursue external funding opportunities through the Tunxis Foundation, Tunxis Alumni Association, and grants from external agencies and organizations._86282ed0-a00d-11e4-819d-3d78c84e4dfa5.4Tunxis FoundationTunxis Alumni AssociationGrant-Making OrganizationsFull-Time FacultyAdvocate for additional full-time faculty to reach the system goal of full-time faculty teaching 60% of classes._8628302e-a00d-11e4-819d-3d78c84e4dfa5.5Tunxis Community College FacultyCross TrainingCross train staff to work in different areas of the College during times of peak demand in accordance with collective bargaining agreements._862831be-a00d-11e4-819d-3d78c84e4dfa5.6Tunxis Community College StaffAdditional StaffAdd additional staff when possible to support existing services with increased demand._8628331c-a00d-11e4-819d-3d78c84e4dfa5.7Tunxis Community College Staff2012-09-012014-08-312015-01-19OwenAmburOwen.Ambur@verizon.net