The institution has a clearly defined, comprehensive, and published mission statement that is specific to the institution and appropriate for higher education. The mission addresses teaching and learning and, where applicable, research and public service.

JUDGMENT: Compliant

STATEMENT OF RATIONALE FOR JUDGMENT OF COMPLIANCE

Southwest Texas Junior College has a clearly defined mission statement that comprehensively addresses all of the College’s activities, including teaching and learning, and reflects the demographics of our constituencies. The Southwest Texas Junior College mission statement is:

Southwest Texas Junior College is a comprehensive, public college serving eleven counties in Southwest Texas. The College provides accessible, affordable, high-quality education that prepares students to successfully transfer to senior colleges and universities; enter the job market; pursue their professional and personal goals; and contribute to the economic growth of the region.

The mission statement is published on the SWTJC website (swtjc.edu), in the SWTJC Catalog, on all College Syllabi, and in the SWTJC Policy Manual under AD (Local).

The SWTJC mission is specific to the institution, particularly in its characterization of the rural and geographical aspects of SWTJC. The needs of our eleven county service area has resulted in our providing distance education to area high schools and other instructional sites. It is appropriate for higher education in that it positions SWTJC as an institution that prepares students for senior college and provides career training and development. Teaching and learning are integral to these provisions. The Mission Statement is evaluated as part of the review of the College’s five-year Strategic Plan. All Unit Action Plans are designed to align with the mission and further its goals.

The mission of Southwest Texas Junior College is based upon the legislated mission and role of Texas Public community colleges as defined in the Texas Education Code 130.0011 and the components of the mission statement defined in Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board rule 9.53. The mission statement was developed collaboratively by Southwest Texas Junior College faculty and staff at various meetings of the President’s Cabinet. The current Mission Statement was approved by the Southwest Texas Junior College Board of Trustees on August 15, 2013 and thus is specific to Southwest Texas Junior College.

Southwest Texas Junior College does not engage in research; however, the College does participate in public service in the form of continuing education and cultural and intellectual outreach, which are also addressed in the mission statement.

Evidence

SWTJC Website: Mission Statement
SWTJC Catalog: Mission Statement
SWTJC Policy AD Local: College President: Qualifications and Duties
Mission Statement Review
Texas Education Code 130.0011: Public Junior Colleges: Role and Mission
Texas Administrative Code 9.53: Role, Mission and Purpose of Public Community / Junior and Technical Colleges
SWTJC Cabinet Meetings: Various Meetings
Board of Trustees Minutes, August 15, 2013
SWTJC Catalog: Mission Statement