Mission Statement & Community Responsibilities
Our Mission
As an open-access learning institution, Seattle Colleges prepares each student for success in life and work, fostering a diverse, engaged, and dynamic community.
Our Vision
Seattle Colleges is recognized as an exemplary learning institution that transforms lives, promotes equity, and enriches the community.
Our Values
- Accessibility for all learners and partners
- Collaboration through open communication and commitment to working together.
- Diversity, inclusion, and equity for all individuals, particularly the underserved in our community.
- Fiscal sustainability for long-term viability and excellence in service and operations.
- Growth and development of faculty and staff through professional development
- Innovation in instruction, student services, operations, and organizational culture
- Integrity by adhering to the highest standards of ethics and public stewardship
Our Goals
- Culturally and socially responsive teaching and learning: We use anti-bias, anti-racist frameworks to offer culturally relevant, inclusive, and accessible teaching and learning; and evolve programs to include community and industry needs preparing students for personal, academic, and professional success in a changing economy.
- Holistic and inclusive student experience: We use anti-bias, anti-racist frameworks to create a student experience that supports a diverse community; fosters a sense of belonging among our students, especially People of Color (BIPoC) and other historically underserved, under-supported groups; and ensures equitable access to services and essential resources that meet student needs.
- Empowering employee experience: We use anti-bias, anti-racist frameworks to create a sense of belonging for our employees, especially our People of Color (BIPoC) and other historically underserved, under-supported groups; promote professional development; and increase morale and retention to cultivate an inclusive and safe environment where our employees thrive and contribute to our students’ success, our mission, and our community’s needs.
- Effective and sustainable organizational structures and practices: We use anti-bias, anti-racist frameworks to address systemic barriers faced by students and employees and to create equitable policies and procedures; strengthen operations in environmentally and fiscally sustainable ways; modernize physical and technology infrastructure; and promote transparency and accountability.
Our College Community Responsibilities
- Treat each other with courtesy and respect
- Speak civilly and act responsibly with consideration for the rights of others
- Affirm the value of diversity and promote cultural sensitivity
- Maintain a safe and welcoming community
Our Commitment to Equity in Action
South Seattle College commits to creating an environment of equity, inclusion and multiculturalism which dismantles all forms of oppression by developing responsive, intentional practices.