Together This Way Forward - Northwest Community College Strategic Project

Transcription

1 Strategic Plan Together This way forward

2 Together This Way Forward Vision Northwest Community College builds successful futures through educational leadership in the economic, social, cultural and community development of our region. Mission Northwest Community College provides quality learning experiences that help prepare our students for successful, positive futures. We celebrate the diversity of our northern and First Nations populations and reflect this diversity in our programs, services and our workforce. We approach every interaction with respect and integrity and collaborate with our partners to meet the unique educational needs of our communities. 2

3 NORTHWEST COMMUNITY COLLEGE Strategic Plan Table of Contents Vision and Mission... 2 Statement from Board Chair... 4 Statement from the President... 5 College Overview... 6 Governance... 7 Values and Operating Principles... 8 Strategic Planning Experience...10 Board Defined ENDs...11 Goals and Objectives Programming...12 Workforce Skills, Training and Continuing Studies...13 Student Development...14 Distributed Learning...15 Culture and Inclusion...16 Partnerships...17 Acknowledgements

4 Together This Way Forward From the Board Chair Northwest Community College plays a unique role in the social and economic success of the Northwest region of British Columbia. As the Board of Governors for Northwest Community College it is our role to ensure that our college meets the expectations of our communities by providing services and programs for their diverse educational needs. The strategic planning process that has led to the document you hold in your hands was one of consultation and collaboration across our region. The board set the five ENDS found in this planning document to reflect the needs and expectation of the community, while the strategic direction sets out how the college will seek to meet them over the next five years. Many of us on the Board of Governors will have completed our terms when this plan is complete, but as you will see, this plan is about setting the foundations for the long-term sustainability and success of Northwest Community College through the year We are proud to have been a part of this process and look forward to great results in the future. The last two years have allowed us to establish a stronger role for the Board of Governors as representatives of the community within the college governance structure, while also giving us the distinct honour of building something that will live on long after our service terms are complete. As the title suggests, Together This Way Forward will be an exciting new chapter in the life of NWCC and we are grateful to all those who contributed to its creation. I would especially like to thank those who served on the committee developing this document and our President who spearheaded this project. It is our great honour to serve you and the college and we are optimistic about this path to success. Sincerely, Rhoda Witherly Chair, Board of Governors, Northwest Community College 4

5 NORTHWEST COMMUNITY COLLEGE Strategic Plan From the President 2012 has been a rebuilding year for Northwest Community College (NWCC). For the past couple of years, we ve been in a process of creating a robust governance structure, mitigating a structural deficit and making do with less. It has also been a year of provincial government support, with a $3 million investment in trades training through equipment upgrades, the designation of the School of Exploration and Mining as a Centre of Excellence in B.C. and a stronger and renewed connection to the communities we serve across the north. What you have before you is a five year guide for Northwest Community College. First begun in 2011, when we met with 16 of the 34 communities we serve to establish our strategic goals and objectives, and continued with dozens of feedback sessions held at all our college campuses and at stakeholder community gatherings in 2012, this is the result of a massive consultative process. NWCC s Board of Governors, by approving the Strategic Plan Together This Way Forward, validated that it has been a year of NWCC connecting with those we serve, while cutting a path for the future of this college as a vital part of the economic success of our region. The next phase of futurizing Northwest Community College will be to articulate this strategic direction through the operation of our organization. We now have a clear, high-level explanation of what it is we should be doing and what kinds of things we should be considering as we move forward. This is going to be the guiding document for NWCC until 2017 and we are happy that our communities are fully engaged. We are a reflection of the communities we serve and we want to hear from you as we go forward together. Thanks to all those who contributed to this important document for the future of the college. We owe you all a debt of gratitude for your partnership and look forward to future collaborations. Sincerely, Denise Henning, PhD President and CEO, Northwest Community College 5

6 Together This Way Forward College Overview Established in 1975 by the Province of British Columbia, Northwest Community College serves 34 communities from Houston in the East, Hazelton in the North, to Haida Gwaii in the West. The nine Northwest Community College campuses cover a service area of more than 100,000 square kilometres. The population served by the college includes seven First Nations, among them the Haida, Wet suwet en, Gitxsan, Tahltan, Nisga a, Haisla and Tsimshian. Respecting this diversity, NWCC focuses on creating inclusive, welcoming learning environments at each of its nine campuses, while working with First Nations and other communities to ensure access to relevant, high-quality education that leads to sustainable careers for people in northwestern British Columbia and beyond. A combination of university and career courses and programs, college upgrading, trades skills and workforce training also means that NWCC offers a wide diversity of programming to many students from all walks of life and experiences. The vast Northwest region also means a diversity of industry needs from mining and forestry, infrastructure and the marine environment, business education, healthcare and academics*. The college works with local industries, partner institutions and professions to identify workforce needs and then provides students with educational and training opportunities to advance in their vocations and careers to meet those needs. New economic opportunities in northwestern British Columbia are increasing the need for specific skills and more skilled workers. At the same time, the public post-secondary sector has been experiencing its share of fiscal challenges. In this context, it tries to balance the need for responsive, high-quality education and training with fiscal responsibility, this strategic plan maps out five years for Northwest Community College by providing a clear direction in partnership with key stakeholders in the communities it serves. * for an up-to-date list of all NWCC program offerings, please visit: nwcc.bc.ca/programs (hyperlinked on electronic version) 6

7 NORTHWEST COMMUNITY COLLEGE Strategic Plan NWCC Governance Northwest Community College, as part of British Columbia s public post-secondary education system, is governed by the College and Institute Act and helps fulfill the province s educational mandate. The Ministry of Advanced Education oversees all the public post-secondary institutions in the province. The Post-Secondary Employers Association is the employer bargaining agent for all public colleges, university-colleges and institutes in British Columbia. The college is directed by its Board of Governors who are appointed by the Provincial Government. Each board member sits for a term of three years, to a six year maximum. The board provides long-term direction in partnership with the college s Education Council, the First Nations Council and the provincial government. The president reports to the Board of Governors. The executive team manages the operation of the college ensuring its strategic directives are being met in collaboration with a team of directors and managers. In April of 2012, the Board of Governors signed a letter of expectation with the Province of British Columbia which outlines accountabilities, government responsibilities and those matters of shared accountability. This letter can be viewed on the British Columbia Ministry of Advanced Education ( and on the college websites ( 7

8 Together This Way Forward Values and Operating Principles Northwest Community College staff and faculty are respectful in all personal and professional interaction. NWCC is an ethical institution that acts with integrity. It works toward growth, continual learning and collaboration with students, communities and each other. We honour the culture and tradition of First Nations communities on whose territory we operate. We will work to resolve historical injustices and inequities and continue an ongoing dialogue free of racism. Accountability We establish and achieve objectives that are cost-effective and open to public review. Student-centred We operate programs, courses, and services focused on meeting the learning, developmental and employment needs of the learners we serve. Student Success We commit to removing barriers to student success. We provide services, programs, and resources to foster success. Respect We treat each person in a fair and equitable fashion, acknowledging and valuing their perspective and diversity. We do not tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, age, colour, ancestry, place of origin, political belief, religion, marital or family status, financial status, physical, mental or learning disability, gender or sexual orientation. Cooperation We commit to working cooperatively and in good faith with our internal and external communities. 8

9 NORTHWEST COMMUNITY COLLEGE Strategic Plan First Nations Heritage and Cultural Competency We commit to reducing systemic barriers such as racism, and ensuring that our courses and programs demonstrate an integrated inclusion of First Nations culture and knowledge. Openness to Change We provide relevant, current and innovative programs and services that respond to changes in society and the changing needs of our learners. Accessibility We commit to addressing barriers and providing fair and equitable access to learning opportunities and services throughout the region. Empowerment of Communities We commit to the decentralization of learning opportunities and recognizing the role of communities we serve in determining their educational priorities. Empowerment of Employees We commit to have our employees actively participate in the decision making processes at the college. Empowerment of Students We recognize and encourage the active involvement of students in the development and improvement of college programs and services. Innovation We encourage and support creativity and innovation in the development of initiatives that address opportunities for constructive change. Sustainability We conduct our business in an environmentally responsible manner and include sound resource practices such as waste reduction, recycling and energy conservation. 9

10 Together This Way Forward The Strategic Planning Experience A Timeline Phase One: Gathering Background Information March to April 2011 Review of mission and values and expected outcomes as defined by the Board of Governors. Review past strategic plans, reports and consultation documents. Review of Stepping Stones to Improved Relationships with First Nations Council. Develop forum for community consultations. Phase Two: Consultations Held Across the Region May 2011 to November 2011 Stakeholders invited to provide input from 16 of 34 communities. Met with students, staff and faculty for consultation and input. Held community consultations across the service area. Conducted an online survey. Gathered data from consultative sessions and survey activities. Created and distributed reports to each of the participating communities. Phase Three: Analysis and Recommendations October 2011 to December 2011 Reviewed and analysed the data gathered. Prepared a final report with recommendations and emerging priorities for the strategic planning steering committee. Phase Four: Development, Feedback and Finalization of Strategic Plan January to November 2012 Strategic Planning Task Force established to draft strategic plan. First drafts are presented to stakeholders for feedback. Task Force integrates feedback into final submission to the Board of Governors. Final Plan is presented to the board for approval. 10

11 NORTHWEST COMMUNITY COLLEGE Strategic Plan Board of Governors Defined ENDS END ONE NWCC as an inclusive institution, is the college of choice for students and staff. END TWO NWCC as a provider of innovative and effective programming delivery, inclusive of technology and global perspectives within an equitable environment. END THREE NWCC will operate as a robust and viable organization with a balanced budget. END FOUR NWCC is inclusive and responsive to the socio-economic change and demand of our communities, businesses and industries. END FIVE NWCC works in partnership to create opportunities for growth and development. 11

12 Together This Way Forward Programming Goals For students in Northwest BC, NWCC will become the first choice for post-secondary education and maintain relevance and sustainability for all its programs. NWCC will maintain relevance and sustainability for all its programs. Objectives Review of existing programs for relevance and sustainability, comprehensiveness and breadth of offering on an ongoing basis. Market programs across the entire service region and beyond. Continue working towards a seamless laddering of internal programs with school districts and partnering post-secondary institutions. Strengthen Associate Arts and Science Degrees. 12

13 NORTHWEST COMMUNITY COLLEGE Strategic Plan Workforce Skills, Training and Continuing Studies Goals Expand and strengthen skills, trades training and continuing studies to ensure students successfully integrate into a renewed Northwest economy with skills that will propel it forward. Objectives Expand and nurture existing and new community and industry partnerships. Expand and nurture existing and new post-secondary institutions. Increase flexible delivery of training programs. Market workforce training and continuing studies. 13

14 Together This Way Forward Student Development Goal Develop a comprehensive and responsive program for student success in collaboration with industry and community partners that empowers leadership and innovation in the Northwest region. Objectives Implement a student success model that includes: recruitment and retention, technology, bursaries and scholarships and student exit surveys. Work with community partners to increase awareness of course offerings and their value in the marketplace. Collaborate with staff and faculty for increased responsibility for retention and recruitment. Increase access to post-secondary education through flexible delivery of services and programs. Grow capacity for student mobility. Support bridging and transitions, connecting graduates and students. Empower students to be responsible and informed contributing community members through development of leadership opportunities. 14

15 NORTHWEST COMMUNITY COLLEGE Strategic Plan Distributed Learning Goal Build on the ability to be flexible in response to student needs by incorporating multiple delivery models. Objectives Expand on its use of new technologies to increase distributed learning opportunities. Provide more course offerings evenings, weekends and Spring/Summer sessions. Market the opportunities found in distributed learning. 15

16 Together This Way Forward Culture and Inclusion Goal NWCC will continue to work towards a truly inclusive and equitable environment. Objectives Increase the diversity of faculty and staff to reflect the communities where we live. Increase international students. Increase participation of Aboriginal students across all programs. Create a benchmark report on all components of cultural recognition and inclusion. 16

17 NORTHWEST COMMUNITY COLLEGE Strategic Plan Partnerships Goal NWCC will increase, at all levels, the number of meaningful, engaged and productive partnerships needed to support student success. Objectives Partner with Aboriginal communities to address their local educational needs through programming that recognizes their history and culture. Develop a framework and processes for partnerships. Empower communities to expand strategic development initiatives for each campus. Partner with regional school districts, industry, business, provincial and federal governments, health authorities and other agencies in the north to expand educational opportunities for students. 17

18 Together This Way Forward Strategic Planning Committee Members Alice Maitland Ann-Marie Merkel Beverly Moore-Garcia Deanna Nyce Dee McRae Herb Pond Jason Alsop John Krisinger Rocque Berthiaume Mildred Roberts John Ross Leal McKeown Margo Van der Touw Priscilla Michell Vera Dudoward Denise Henning Dave O Leary Phil Saunders Ali McDougall Regional Director Hazelton Instructor, Applied Business Technology; Chair, BCGEU (Instructors), Local 712 Vice President, Education and Student Services President and Chief Executive Officer, Wilp Wilxo oskwhl Nisga a Institute Regional Literacy Coordinator Vice Chair Board of Governors; Chair, Strategic Planning Committee Operations Manager, Haida Heritage Centre at Kaay Llnagaay Academic Head; University Credit College Professor, Member AWU Instructor; University Credit/Art History, Member AWU Kitsumkalum Matriarch Kitimat Community, Industry, Education Liaison; Webmaster; Chair, BCGEU (Support Staff) Bargaining Unit and Chair, BCGEU (Support Staff) Local 712 Component Business owner, Terrace Dean of Trades, Workplace Training and Continuing Studies, Applied Business Technology, Business Administration and Culinary Arts. Vice-Chair, First Nations Council; Post-Secondary Counsellor, Kyah Wiget Education Society Kitsumkalum, Matriarch (Xbisuunt) President and Chief Executive Officer Vice President, Institutional Advancement Director of Communications and Public Relations Executive Officer and Advisor to the President 18

19 NORTHWEST COMMUNITY COLLEGE Strategic Plan 19

20 Contact Us nwcc.ca Campus Locations Hazelton 4815 Swannell Drive, P.O. Box 338 Hazelton, BC V0J 1Y0 Tel: Houston th Street, West, P.O. Box 1277 Houston, BC V0J 1Z0 Tel: Kaay Llnagaay #2 Second Beach Road, P.O. Box 1523 Skidegate, BC V0T 1S1 Tel: Kitimat 606 Mountainview Square Kitimat, BC V8C 2N2 Tel: Masset 1730 Hodges Avenue, P.O. Box 559 Masset, BC V0T 1M0 Tel: Prince Rupert 353 Fifth Street Prince Rupert, BC V8J 3L6 Tel: Queen Charlotte 138 Bay Street, P.O. Box 67 Village of Queen Charlotte, BC V0T 1S0 Tel: Smithers nd Avenue, P.O. Box 3606 Smithers, BC V0J 2N0 Tel: Terrace 5331 McConnell Avenue Terrace, BC V8G 4X2 Tel: