Mission, Vision, Core Values

Integrity

Trusting relationships and an ethical reputation with those we serve (students, faculty, employees, community, business, other educational institutions, government).

• Being respectful
• Being honest and sincere
• Being fair and reasonable
• Acting responsibly by meeting commitments and obligations
• Remaining true to the academic disciplines

Excellence

Consistently achieving exceptional results that delight those we serve.

• Being accountable through the evaluation and adjustment of our services, processes and programs as needed to assure timeliness, quality, effectiveness, and financial stability
• Providing superior learning experiences and services
• Being learner focused to meet the needs of those we serve
• Encouraging continuous improvement and lifelong learning, growth
• Being innovative and proactive

Communication

Positive and productive relationships and environment for those we serve.

• Openly exchanging thoughts, messages, information and ideas throughout our college and community
• Fostering an environment of belonging, acceptance
• Encouraging participation, involvement and collaboration
• Demonstrating spirit, sound teamwork principles and practices
• Empowering others by enabling them to make decisions, take actions that match their capabilities

Adaptability

Continuously meeting the changing needs of those we serve.

• Providing relevant, meaningful educational services
• Being flexible and willing to change
• Developing and demonstrating the competencies, as well as versatility needed for continuing success
• Anticipating and capitalizing on opportunities for growth, success
• Taking appropriate risks that contribute to learning, growth, or ultimate success

Diversity

Providing a safe and secure learning environment for the personal and intellectual growth of those we serve, preparing them to participate in an increasingly changing world.

• Promoting and upholding our vision that all are treated with equality, fairness, dignity, and respect.
• Delivering a curriculum and services which are inclusive of global considerations and which value the voices, experiences, and worth of a variety of cultural perspectives.
• Fostering educational practices which support the learning styles of each unique human being.

Danville Area Community College provides access to a broad spectrum of quality educational opportunities and life experiences. DACC values diversity as an enhancement of those experiences, in its classrooms, administrative offices, and board room. The College is committed to policies that promote fairness and inclusion for all in the life of the College. As a reflection of the College's commitment, the DACC Board of Trustees strives to promote fairness and inclusion in all policies and practices of the College.

The College should be free to pursue standards and policies that allow it to fulfill its diversity vision. The students who are educated will help provide tomorrow's leaders, and their College experience must demonstrate the richness and substance of our diverse, multi-cultural and global environment. The College environment should promote understanding and appreciation of others, while encouraging students to grow as individuals.

In accord with this philosophy, the DACC Board expects the Community College to continually evaluate its hiring, admissions, and financial aid policies to ensure diversity and equal access within the institution. The College should ensure that the results of these evaluations conform to the concept of open access -- the cornerstone of the community college mission.

A community college is, in effect, a microcosm of our greater society. As such, it should encourage and enhance the fullest understanding of human rights and responsibilities and should teach the skills that allow students to effectively participate in a democratic society. The College is responsible for creating opportunities for all within the College community to interact with understanding, tolerance, and respect for others. In this way, diversity in education not only serves as a model for the world at large, but it also helps perpetuate social harmony for the future.

The functions of Danville Area Community College are conceived in the light of its mission:

1. Provision for General Education. General Education courses are selected and required of all degree-seeking students, preparing them to function effectively in interpersonal and interdependent relations.
2. Provision for Baccalaureate-Oriented Programs. The College offers academic courses which meet college and university requirements for freshmen and sophomores in most major fields.
3. Provision for Career-Oriented Programs. Courses in career education provide job training, retraining, and upgrading to meet local, state, and national work force needs.
4. Provision for Adult Education. Students are provided opportunities to improve basic education, secondary education, and life skills.
5. Provision for Developmental Courses. Developmental Courses are offered to assist students in reading, English, mathematics and science in preparation for college credit courses.
6. Provision for Continuing and Community Education. A variety of non-degree and non-credit courses, workshops and seminars is offered to meet the educational and recreational needs of the community.
7. Provision for Student Personnel Services. Guidance, counseling, career information, testing services, and college orientation are available to all students. Provisions are also made for students with special needs.
8. Provision for Student Activities. As part of the educational experience at Danville Area Community College, all students are encouraged to participate in student government, organizations, publications, athletics, social activities, and cultural affairs.
9. Provision for Community Services. Through its faculty, staff, student services, and facilities, Danville Area Community College endeavors to make its resources available to the public.
10. Provision for Business and Economic Development. Training programs and other business assistance initiatives are offered for the area work force and community employers to meet their needs.

Communications

Learners express themselves clearly and concisely.

Performance Indicators:

• Organization: Demonstrate organized communication through various modalities
• Content: Use evidence to support main idea and uses topic related terminology
• Mechanics: Use appropriate grammatical structure
• Presentation: Use tone, style, and conventions that are appropriate to the audience, context, and purpose

Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

Learners evaluate the credibility and significance of information.

Performance Indicators:

• Identification: Define problem, identify relevant information, define, terms, and analyze assumptions
• Usage: Frame questions, make predictions, and design data collection and analysis strategies
• Position or Solution: Form a conclusion based on the evidence and analysis of data, information and/or viewpoints

Technology

Learners apply current and emerging technology.

Performance Indicators:

• Integration: Select the proper tool to perform the task and troubleshoot any difficulties encountered
• Utilization: Apply proper usage of the tool
• Evaluation: Analyze the effectiveness of the tool

Cultural Awareness and Social Skills

Learners recognize cultural perspectives, beliefs, and attitudes different from their own.

Performance Indicators:

• Cooperation: Foster a constructive team climate
• Professional and Ethical Behavior: Display proper respect and considerations based on the situation
• Self-Awareness: Articulate insight into own cultural point of view and biases
• Cultural Awareness: Identify and acknowledge cultural perspectives and values different from their own