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2007-2008- Volume 82, No. 1
SPC's Mission
and Goals
(College Rule 6Hx23-1.02)
The mission of St. Petersburg College is to provide accessible, learner-centered education for students pursuing selected baccalaureate degrees, associate degrees, technical certificates, applied technology diplomas and continuing education within our service area as well as globally in programs in which the College has special expertise. As a comprehensive, multi-campus postsecondary institution, St. Petersburg College seeks to be a creative leader and partner with students, communities, and other educational institutions to deliver enriched learning experiences and to promote economic and workforce development.
St. Petersburg College fulfills its mission led by an outstanding team of diverse faculty and staff providing students with advanced teaching and learning technologies in the classroom, distance education courses, international study opportunities, innovative teaching methods and a comprehensive library for promoting literacy and research. St. Petersburg College embraces continuous institutional self-evaluation to assure a climate for student success and an enduring commitment to excellence.
In support of our mission, the specific goals of the College are to:
• provide equal educational opportunities to a diverse student body;
• prepare students for work in selected professional fields through Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, and Bachelor of Applied Science degree programs and in partnership with other colleges and universities through St. Petersburg College's University Partnership Center;
• prepare lower-division students for transfer into baccalau reate programs through the Associate in Arts program and articulated Associate in Science degree programs;
• prepare lower-division students for careers requiring post-secondary education through Associate in Science, Associate in Applied Science, selected Technical Certificate and Applied Technology programs;
• provide opportunities for under-prepared students to achieve college entry-level skills in reading, writing and mathematics through the college preparatory programs and opportunities for exceptionally dedicated students to maximize the development of their academic abilities and talents through honors courses and service projects;
• promote challenging educational opportunities for area high school students through dual enrollment, charter school programs and similar programs;
• provide opportunities to improve employability, enhance career skills and attain personal enrichment through courses, seminars, workshops and other continuing education programs;
• promote economic and cultural development for the state through special education and training programs including collaborative labs initiatives, technical courses and work-shops, promotion of the arts and services designed to enhance the competitiveness of individuals, agencies, businesses and industries in the local, state, national and global economies;
• contribute to the international education of students through a variety of courses, foreign study tours, faculty and student exchanges, linkages with international institutions, distance learning and other special programs;
• serve target populations beyond the borders of Pinellas County through distance learning programs and other means that emanate from the institution's history of services and specialized expertise; and
• provide additional services to students and the community through partnerships with government, businesses and other academic institutions, through grants and through Foundation projects;
• enhance student learning and assist with career planning, goal-setting and financial aid to maximize students' opportunities to succeed;
• provide an open admission general education curriculum which results in students' achievement of the following educational outcomes:
• communicate effectively by demonstrating the ability to speak, listen, read and write in an organized and analytical manner;
• demonstrate effective mathematical skills emphasizing practical problem solving and data interpretation;
• utilize the scientific method as it applies to understanding scientific and social phenomena;
• recognize basic scientific principles underlying human influence upon the earth and its inhabitants;
• implement appropriate forms of existing and evolving technology for personal, educational, and professional purposes;
• demonstrate the ability to work effectively with others in a variety of settings;
• demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of the humanities and fine arts including participating in cultural activities featuring art, music, literature, dance and/or theater;
• participate as informed and responsible citizens in solving social, economic and political problems in a multicultural and global society;
• recognize ethical issues and dilemmas in the personal, business and social areas of their lives and apply ethical principles and logical problem-solving skills when making ethical decisions;
• think logically, critically and creatively to solve problems and make decisions;
• recognize the importance of lifelong learning process in the pursuit of personal, intellectual and career development;
• analyze and assess personal values and future goals;
St. Petersburg College is dedicated to the concept of
equal opportunity. The College will not discriminate on the basis of race,
color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, or against any
qualified individual with disabilities in its employment practices or in
the admission and treatment of students. Recognizing that sexual
harassment constitutes discrimination on the basis of sex and violates
this Rule, the College will not tolerate such conduct.