Strategic Themes

Strategic themes are key issues that are important to fulfilling our mission now and in the future. We use these themes to guide and give focus to annual college plans.

Add Value to Students' Lives

People come to Chemeketa in search of something--new skills, greater knowledge, social interaction, expanded awareness. It is important that students leave with something of value added to their experience as a result of the time they spend with us. Everything that we do at Chemeketa--whether directly or indirectly related to students--must be done with the intent of making a positive contribution to students' lives.

Successfully Serve Our Increasingly Diverse Population

As a result of growth, in migration, and an ever-changing economic picture, the college district is changing in many ways. Ethnically, the region is becoming more diverse. Many of these residents are seeking college services, and the college must be better prepared to attract and retain all students in the years ahead.

Promote Community Learning

Chemeketa was created to provide learning opportunities for the communities within its geographic boundaries. As technology changes our notion of boundaries, community takes on a broader meaning. Today we have the opportunity and obligation to respond to the varied needs of the people in our region, and we also welcome a global community to participate in learning at Chemeketa. The learning we offer must be convenient and relevant. We must work closely with our regional communities as we plan. And we must demonstrate a commitment to building community and responsible citizenship in all of our efforts.

Deliver Significant Learning Experiences

What is it that students need to know and to be able to do in the occupations, avocations, and life roles for which we are preparing them? We must focus on these important concepts and skills, use methodologies that engage students in significant learning, and continuously assess and improve our effectiveness in teaching and learning.

Strengthen Communication and Connections

Chemeketa continues to grow in size and in the variety of our programs, services, and partnerships. With this growth can come a loss of identity and weakening of relationships that have made our college a vibrant and caring community. We must strengthen our efforts to communicate effectively, both with the internal college community and the larger community we serve. All members of our internal and external communities should feel connected to the college and be able to influence its destiny in a positive way.

Challenge Tradition and Be Inventive

Some of our traditional ways of teaching and working are valuable and should be cherished. Others have been inherited from times quite different from today and may no longer be the best way to do things. All of us must think about what we should retain and what we should do differently to best serve our changing community.

Updated October 2006 by the College Advancement Department.