Mission Statement

Our Vision

The vision of Jefferson State Community College is to be recognized as the most effective   community college in the state of Alabama by providing individuals with knowledge and skills needed to function in a technologically demanding society.

In a period of significant and rapid change, we intend to put the learner’s needs first by being responsive and innovative, as well as being a catalyst for lifelong learning through the use of a variety of delivery systems.

Statement of Philosophy and Purpose

Jefferson State Community College, as a comprehensive, public,  two-year, community college, exists to provide an educational  environment in which the needs of the individual student,  the community, and other target audiences can be met.  Within this educational environment, Jefferson State endeavors  to make collegiate education accessible to all who seek it and in  a manner consistent with the vision, mission, goals, and objectives  of the Alabama Community College System.

The college is dedicated to offering programs and activities  which reflect those characteristics that help define an educated  person. These characteristics include a level of general education  that enables the individual to  understand his or her culture  and environment; the development of skills in analysis, communication,  quantification, and synthesis necessary for further  growth as a lifelong learner and a productive member of society;  the identification of a system of personal values based  on accepted ethics that lead to civic and social responsibility;  and the attainment of skills that enhance the development of  leisure activities and a healthful lifestyle. These characteristics  are attained not only through organized courses and programs,  but also through the intellectual and social climate of the college  and through a variety of social, cultural, civic and other  educational activities that are offered based on the needs of  the community.

The following purposes stemming from this philosophy, are  stated by the college as commitments to fulfilling the overall  role of the institution:

The college is committed to providing accessible educational  and workforce development programs through which students  may obtain the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue their  life’s work and to become educated members of society. Students  may select an option from among:

  • University parallel degree programs that prepare students  to transfer to a college or university as a junior.
  • Career and professional degree programs that integrate  general and career-specific education and prepare students  for immediate employment.
  • Certificate and non-credit certificate programs and other  learning opportunities that enable students to acquire  specific training to prepare for employment or advancement  in jobs requiring skilled employees.
  • Dual enrollment programs that allow qualified high  school students to earn credits for a high  school diploma  and/or a postsecondary degree.
  • Distance learning programs and classes that promote  accessibility through new technologies.

The college is committed to providing the services and environment  necessary to assist its students in achieving their educational  goals and enhancing their social and physical development.  These include:

  • Student academic, developmental, and support services  that assist all students in achieving their goals.
  • Administrative services that support students, faculty,  and staff.
  • An environment that is conducive to learning.

The college is committed to acting as a leader in building connections  beyond the campus and in fostering partnerships  which are inspired by common goals. In addition to offering  college facilities and resources to the community, the college  accepts the responsibility for providing:

  • Activities that promote community, social and civic  well-being.
  • Courses and other activities that promote economic  well-being and growth through workforce training and  retraining.
  • Opportunities that expand cultural experiences.
  • Financial resources to enhance existing and future college  programs.

In all of these efforts Jefferson State is committed to providing:

  • Maintenance of achievement standards consistent with  accredited collegiate institutions.
  • A system of technical assessments and certifications  that meet the needs of business and industry.
  • Accessible programs that are offered at reasonable costs.
  • The establishment of partnerships with other schools,  universities, businesses, and the community at large.

Continual improvement through on-going evaluation and advocacy  of innovation in teaching and learning.