Higher Learning Commission Criteria Index
Criterion Four
Acquisition, Discovery, and Application of Knowledge. The organization promotes a life of learning for its faculty, administration, staff, and students by fostering and supporting inquiry, creativity, practice, and social responsibility in ways consistent with its mission.
Core Component 4a. The organization demonstrates, through the actions of its board, administrators, students, faculty, and staff, that it values a life of learning.
- Our mission and vision promote the value of lifelong learning. [Intro Mission]
- Board Members and members of the administration participate in annual retreats for development and planning opportunities. [5P5]
- Leadership Development Days use outside facilitators to encourage best practices and dissemination of useful knowledge and skills. [5P9]
- The Tuition Reimbursement Program encourages faculty, staff, and administration to continue with their own education. [4P9; 4R2]
- MATC provides leadership workshops and promotes participation in WLDI. [4P3; 5P9]
- Our Occupational and Academic Currency Program (OACP) assists faculty members each year to stay current in their areas. [4P9]
- Coordination Days, held at the beginning of each semester, consist of workshops with multiple breakout sessions, using internal and external facilitators to disseminate knowledge and skills and best practices vital to the continuous improvement of faculty. [5P9]
Core Component 4b. The organization demonstrates that acquisition of a breadth of knowledge and skills and the exercise of intellectual inquiry are integral to its educational programs.
- General Education is a stated part of our Mission. [Intro Mission]
- Associate Degree students are required to complete 21 General Education credits. [1P2]
- To “think critically” is one of the seven Core Abilities integrated into all courses. [Figure 1.1; Figure 1.14]
- Many student clubs and organizations are connected to our programs and their core abilities. [1P16]
- The Student Life Series provides opportunities for students to expand their experiences and knowledge base in a variety of areas. [3P2]
- Using WIDS helps maintain the quality standards needed in the curriculum. [1P13; 1P14;]
Core Component 4c. The organization assesses the usefulness of its curricula to students who will live and work in a global, diverse, and technological society.
- To “respect diversity” is one of the seven Core Abilities integrated into all courses. [Figure 1.1; Figure 1.14]
- QRP, DACUM, and the use of advisory committees ensure that the programs are aligned with the changing dynamics and expectations of our local and global society. [Overview #6; 1P3; 1P4; Figure 1.7; 1P17]
- The Strategic Goal to “ensure sustainability” drives a number of organizational initiatives as well as new programs and learning opportunities for our students. [Figure 8.1; 2R2]
Core component 4d. The organization provides support to ensure that faculty, students, and staff acquire, discover, and apply knowledge responsibly.
- To “demonstrate responsibility” is one of the seven Core Abilities integrated into all courses. [Figure 1.1; Figure 1.14]
- Guidelines for Codes of Conduct regarding conduct, sexual harassment, discrimination, and affirmative action are in the Student Handbook [Student Handbook; 3P6]
- Steps for Grade Appeals, Grade Complaints, and Academic Problems/Complaints are outlined in the Student Handbook and Course Catalogues. [Figure 3.4]
- Academic Freedom, privacy issues and publication rights are all clearly outlined in the faculty union contract. [Faculty Contract]