The HCC mission, vision and values provide the starting point for the HCC Strategic Plan, FY 2008-2012. The entire planning process, including implementation and assessment, helps us to manage efficiently, maintain fiscal control, improve services and processes, improve teaching and learning, and allocate resources effectively. To make our planning process effective, it includes a monitoring mechanism (outcomes assessment) to determine whether or not the purposes are achieved and objectives are met. Assessment also provides us with feedback on why the purpose and objectives were or were not met and helps us consider how resources are being used, where resources are insufficient or underutilized, and where the quality and quantity of resources is appropriate. HCC uses the results of planning and assessment to maintain, support, and improve its programs and services.

The implementation of the Strategic Plan occurs at the department and division level.

In our everyday work, each of us, as employees of Harford Community College, has a role in implementing the Strategic Plan. Departments and divisions will develop goals which must be accomplished in order to achieve the Strategic Plan’s Themes and Initiatives. Departmental goals will be supported by objectives, specific and measurable statements of what will be done to achieve the goals. Academic divisions and others who teach credit courses will continue to follow the Student Learning Outcome Assessment and Improvement Plan to document SLO activities at the course, program and institutional level. Additionally, as part of our individual annual performance goals, each employee will establish one or two goals in support of the departmental goals and linked to the HCC Strategic Plan.

As individual and departmental goals are linked to the Strategic Themes and Major Initiatives, and are implemented and completed, the Strategic Plan becomes implemented, institution-wide assessment occurs, improvements are implemented, and feedback from the assessment links to future planning.

The VP-SDIE office will assist departments and units in documenting their plans, goals, objectives and will monitor the extent to which the Strategic Plan is being fully implemented, institution-wide, annually, over the five-year period. Department and unit supervisors are accountable for overseeing the development and completion of their unit’s goals and objectives annually, and for the use of results in future planning. Individual employees are accountable for completing their individual goals and documenting progress as part of their annual performance evaluation. Vice Presidents are accountable for ensuring the completion of the goals and objectives in their areas, for monitoring progress in fulfilling the Strategic Plan, and for applying results/findings to future planning and resource allocation decisions.

Dr. Deborah Cruise
Vice President for Student Development and Institutional Effectiveness