A Vision of Parkland in 2024
Parkland's core values will guide the direction of the college and the decisions made on a daily basis, and it is well known that the mission of Parkland College is to engage the community in learning.
Our college will reflect the diversity of our district and serve a growing international population. Our student body will reflect the changing demographics of our district, but also serve current high school students, students who have already earned degrees or certificates, students who seek to take advantage of our excellent career offerings, students who take our courses from across the globe, and all those students who are continuous learners.
Our district will continue to see technological advancement in every aspect of our economy, and Parkland College will emphasize technological solutions which are more mobile, simulate experiences in the workplace, and leverage technological solutions and systems at state and national levels using cloud technology.
Our students will develop superior skills in interpersonal communication, planning, and time management. They will develop critical thinking skills, improved logical skills, and a strong work ethic. Students will learn innovative and creative thinking skills. These critical thinking and soft skills will complement the hands-on skilled technology training, exposure to new and emerging technologies, and experience learning in collaborative teaching spaces which will prepare them for entry into any professional field. Students will have access to programs and courses at different stages of their careers.
Our district will benefit from the preparation of civic-minded graduates who enter the workforce prepared to work in rapidly changing environments and grow in leadership roles within their career fields. Parkland College will engage the community in learning by providing flexible programming and delivery models designed to allow easy access to meet the district's education needs. Curriculum will reflect emerging fields in sustainability, technology, and health careers. The educational experience will be enhanced by emphasizing experiential and service learning and connections to the global community. Parkland College will maintain its close partnership with educational and industry leaders, engage citizens in continuing education, and remain poised to offer educational training at every level including the baccalaureate level.
Goal A: Quality
Parkland College will maintain the highest educational standards providing ongoing continuous learning for all citizens of District 505.
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Provide consistent and comprehensive professional development for all faculty and staff.
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Ensure the excellence of academic programs with emphasis on teaching and learning, student success, and outcomes assessment.
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Implement evidence-based policies and practices that support student learning and success in and outside the classroom.
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Create evidence-based pathways that accelerate academically underprepared (or developmental) students toward college-level work and credential attainment.
Goal B: Completion
Parkland College will increase student retention, persistence, and completion.
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Prioritize the student's first year across all areas of the college.
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Improve student success by providing comprehensive support systems.
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Increase the completion rates of students earning community college credentials (certificates and associate's degrees) while preserving access and enhancing quality.
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Reduce credential attainment gaps associated with income, race, ethnicity, and gender.
Goal C: Collaboration
Parkland College will work collaboratively to develop a workforce with critical thinking, communication, and technical skills to ensure success in a diverse, technological, and global work environment.
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Implement effective collaborations with K–12 districts that develop a college-going culture and build students' college success skills to accelerate the progress of students on the college pathway.
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Develop partnerships with district employers to identify employability skills, collaborate in the development of curriculum and delivery systems, and create employment and internship opportunities for students.
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Engage with community and regional partners to foster partnerships focused on continuous learning.
Goal D: Engagement
Parkland College will engage the district’s institutions and communities to develop citizens who build and sustain economic, social, and cultural assets through work, service, and engagement.
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Expand Parkland College's role in economic and workforce development by developing local, regional, and global partnerships with business and industry, government agencies, health providers, and the agricultural community, and by providing and coordinating the majority of training in District 505.
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Mobilize partnerships to accomplish a collaborative agenda that ensures that program planning targets skills gaps; promotes the associate's degree as a desired employment credential; and establishes viable options for completing skills-based credentials, including classroom instruction, online learning, credit for prior learning, and on-the-job learning.
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Provide credit and noncredit lifelong learning and other educational opportunities to members of the District 505 community. Develop programs that make various cultural programs accessible and build relationships with K–12 to develop future student population.
- Market the mission, programs, and services of Parkland College effectively to support the institution's enrollment goals and so that constituents fully understand the comprehensive programs offered that provide opportunities to students and support development of District 505 communities.
Goal E: Responsibility
Parkland College will strive for sustainable fiscal and financial vitality emphasizing a continued investment in the human, technological, physical, and virtual assets of the college.
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Communicate and implement Parkland’s established core values to guide conduct and practices of Parkland College students, faculty, staff, and administration.
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Utilize our strategic technology plan to support all areas of the college.
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Maintain and create sustainable resources to maximize efficiency of all operations and create learning opportunities for faculty, staff, and students.
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Develop and implement external funding plans to support key college projects and offset declining government support using Foundation fundraising, public/private partnerships, and alumni outreach.