Mission drift? Not at Three Rivers Community College

Michael DeVaney, finance professor at Southeast Missouri State University, clearly stated the mission drift at SEMO in his Aug. 27 op-ed column. It is equally clear that he does not know or understand the mission of a community college. Three Rivers Community College in Poplar Bluff, Mo., is a comprehensive community college. There is no mission drift at Three Rivers Community College. Let me clarify.

The fundamental concept of the community college as it has evolved during the 20th century in America is the extension of opportunities for higher education to all citizens who can profit from the experience. This usually means an open-door admissions policy for all high school graduates and older adults and a comprehensive educational program to meet the variety of learning needs presented by this population.

Although each community college defines its own philosophy, goals and institutional objectives based on its perceived mission in the local community, there are certain common characteristics of most community colleges.

Missouri's community colleges see their primary mission as falling into two categories:

* To provide higher education opportunities to all state residents who are beyond compulsory high-school age and who are capable of benefiting from their services.

* To provide programs and services that support and stimulate the social and economic growth and well-being of the constituents and communities they serve.

This mission particularly applies to minorities and to the economically disadvantaged who often find access to community colleges limited because of cost, geography and inadequate academic preparation. In addition, these same groups often fall through the cracks, missing the benefits of social and economic development programs. Therefore, the community college mission must address access issues such as cost of education, financial aid, geography, availability of remedial assistance and a variety of program offerings, including non-credit classes.

The mission of Missouri's community colleges is manifest through a variety of programs and services:

* Providing lower-division preparation for students who wish to complete a baccalaureate degree.

* Providing entry-level and advanced skill preparation for the state's workforce.

* Providing occupational upgrading and retraining for the state's workforce.

* Providing adult literacy and adult basic skills development.

* Providing educational and collaborative partnerships with business, industry, labor, government and other public and private institutions in order to advance the state's economic development initiatives.

* Providing continuing and community-education opportunities for individuals seeking personal interest, life-long learning and avocational enrichment.

* Providing community services that support and encourage civic, recreational, social and cultural development for Missourians.

The role and scope for Missouri's community colleges include:

* Providing associate of arts and associate of science degrees that enable students to transfer to upper-division institutions for completing baccalaureate degrees.

* Providing associate of applied science degrees in occupational, career and educational areas that lead to immediate entry into the workforce.

* Providing short-term credit certificate programs in occupational and career areas that lead to immediate entry into the workforce.

* Providing credit and customized non-credit courses and programs for employees who need new or upgraded skills and for businesses and industries that need to maintain a viable workforce.

* Providing general interest and continuing-education courses and programs for individuals who wish to upgrade employment skills, pursue personal interests or remain life-long learners.

* Providing comprehensive student services that support these courses and programs, including assessment, academic remediation, advising, counseling and job placement.

* Providing skill-development programs for people with disabilities, limited English skills or other special needs In contrast, four-year institutions should focus on baccalaureate degrees and graduate education.

In other areas of the state and the country where the university and the community college collaborate, cooperate and stay with their primary mission, the citizens are well-served. Community colleges have been a particularly vital part of higher education's dynamic contribution to the social and economic well-being of Missouri.

Dr. James S. Kellerman is executive director and CEO of the Missouri Community College Association in Jefferson City, Mo.