College Mission

As one of the seven community colleges of the University of Hawai'i, the overall mission of Leeward Community College is contained in the following principles.

Access: To broaden access to postsecondary education in Hawai'i, regionally, and internationally by providing open-door opportunities for students to enter quality educational programs within their own communities.

Learning and Teaching: To specialize in the effective teaching of remedial/developmental education, general education, and other introductory liberal arts, pre-professional, and selected baccalaureate courses and programs, with the goal of seamless system articulation and transfer, where appropriate. To structure our programs in such a way that they reflect not only academic rigor but also student development, learning outcomes and student goals.  The College is committed to the achievement of student learning.*

Work Force Development: To provide the trained workforce needed in the State, the Asia-Pacific region, and internationally by offering occupational, technical, and professional courses and programs, which prepare students for immediate and future employment and career advancement.

Personal Development: To provide opportunities for personal enrichment, occupational upgrading, and career mobility through credit and non-credit courses and activities.

Community Development: To contribute to and stimulate the cultural and intellectual life of the community by providing a forum for the discussion of ideas; by providing leadership, knowledge, problem-solving skills, and general informational services; and by providing opportunities for community members to develop their creativity and an appreciation for the creative endeavors of others.

Diversity: To prepare students for the global workplace, with particular emphasis on Asia and the Pacific Rim, by building upon Hawai'i's unique multi-cultural environment and geographic location, through efforts in curriculum development and productive relationships with international counterparts.

Within this context, the special mission of Leeward Community College is to provide teacher training and serve the residents of our diverse communities, with particular attention to the Hawaiian population; communities actively transitioning from an agricultural base to a more diversified economic base; and communities making up the fastest growing middle-income suburban population on O'ahu.

*note: the italized sentence was approved by campus governance and the Chancellor in March 2005, but not the Board of Regents.

2002-2010 Strategic Plan Goals and Objectives

Goal A:   Provide opportunities for the pursuit of knowledge, personal enrichment, and creativity

Objective 1:   Provide life-long learning and development of essential skills

Objective 2:   Develop effective teaching methodologies and delivery modes

Objective 3:   Facilitate job placement

Objective 4:   Promote understanding of and a respect for different cultures

Goal B:   Stimulate the cultural and intellectual life of the community by providing artistic, professional, and enrichment opportunities

Objective 1:   Provide facilities, services, and activities to communities

Objective 2:   Provide non-credit and short-term training

Goal C:   Improve educational effectiveness

Objective 1:   Improve and broaden scope of assessment

Objective 2:   Institute comprehensive strategic student enrollment management program

Objective 3:   Develop a comprehensive marketing plan

Objective 4:   Ensure availability of high-quality resources and services

Goal D:   Build partnerships

Objective 1:   Improve inter-campus and intra-campus communication

Objective 2:   Improve articulation of courses and programs

Objective 3:   Develop and strengthen local and global connections

Goal E:   Acquire and manage resources efficiently

Objective 1:   Develop additional sources of internal and external funding

Objective 2:   Recruit, retain highly qualified personnel

Objective 3:   Manage, improve, and upgrade physical facilities