CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

B1.1 Philosophy: Del Mar College is committed to the following concepts: B1.1.1 Academic Freedom and Responsibility: Academic freedom and responsibility provide the foundation for the creation of a learning environment that promotes academic excellence, independent and creative thinking, and respect for the individual.

B1.1.2 Lifelong Learning: Lifelong learning is a process for self-development and self-realization through which the individual assimilates knowledge, develops skill and competency, and establishes values that enhance personal understanding of career choices, quality of life, and responsibilities of citizenship.

B1.1.3 Pursuit of Educational Goals:  All individuals have the right to pursue educational goals and should have the opportunity to realize the potential of their abilities through quality education.

B1.1.4 Involvement and Interaction: Involvement and interaction between the College and the community are essential to insure relevance and vitality in all educational programs, activities, and services and to enhance cultural, economic, and social life.

 B1.2 Mission: Del Mar College is dedicated to providing educational opportunities for students to achieve their dreams.
B1.2.1  Statement of Purpose:  Del Mar College is dedicated to providing access to educational opportunities for all persons without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, or disability. The College affirms that student learning is its highest priority.  By encouraging and supporting continuing excellence in instruction and institutional support services at reasonable student cost, the College will fulfill its mission within the limitations of its physical and financial resources.
B1.2.1.1 Specifically, the College has the following seven purposes:
  B1.2.1.1.1 To provide fully accredited occupational, academic, and pre-professional courses leading to certificates, associate degrees, and/or the first two years of transferable credit toward baccalaureate degrees.

B1.2.1.1.2 To provide opportunities to train for economic independence; and to prepare for job entry, occupational advancement, and career development.

B1.2.1.1.3 To provide developmental, adult literacy, and basic skills instruction to help entering students to perform successfully in their chosen academic or occupational fields of study.

B1.2.1.1.4 To provide student support services, including a continuing program of counseling and guidance, to assist students in achieving their individual educational goals.

B1.2.1.1.5 To provide opportunities for lifelong learning in occupational and avocational pursuits, personal enrichment, and general education based on a liberal arts curriculum.

B1.2.1.1.6 To provide opportunities to increase intellectual capacities; to develop aesthetic awareness; to expand the dimensions of personal, social, ethical, and cultural development; and to develop civic responsibility and qualities essential to good citizenship.

B1.2.1.1.7To provide educational activities for work force and economic development, and for community and academic initiatives in cooperation with area independent school districts, other institutions of higher education, area industries, and area military bases; and to encourage and provide cultural activities, both independent of, and in cooperation with, organizations and groups in the community.
 

 B1.2.1.2 Del Mar College is a comprehensive community college with two primary campuses located in Corpus Christi, Texas.  Del Mar College is supported by local taxes, appropriations by the Texas Legislature, tuition and fees, and gifts and grants. A1.3 Mission Statement Review:  Del Mar College will periodically study its mission statement, considering internal changes as well as the changing responsibilities of the institution to its constituents. A1.3.1 CPIE Study:  The Council on Planning and Institutional Effectiveness will conduct a study of the College's mission statement every five years, beginning in the academic year 2000-2001, prior to the evaluation and review of the College's five-year strategic plan.