Erie Community College, State University of New York

SUNY ECC’s Belief System

The following statements provided are the “roadmap and guidebook” the organization used to develop its strategic thinking.   These statements tell us where we are going and help us to prioritize our strategy options.  They also tell us what to bring along on the journey, and provide us with benchmarks for determining our progress.

Mission

SUNY Erie Community College is a comprehensive provider of quality, flexible, affordable and accessible academic and training programs, along with related services, that meet the needs of a diverse student body and promote regional economic growth.

Vision

SUNY ECC strives toward a future where education is accessible and convenient to all, and where students can acquire specific competencies, college credit or a degree along with resources to achieve their goals.

Strategic Intent

SUNY ECC will become a national and regional model for the community college of the 21st century.  We want to be known as the most student-friendly and accessible college and the place where success begins.  SUNY ECC will be an aspirational choice where students of all levels of ability attend because it is the best match to their lifestyle wants and a respected institution among employers, within higher education and throughout the region.

Core Values

Student Centeredness:  Service to students is the primary reason for our existence. We put the student at the center of all programs and services, with responsiveness, accessibility and flexibility the expectation within all that we do.

Accessibility:  SUNY ECC serves the needs and wants of all students, including those not having educational opportunity elsewhere. Access means inclusion by reducing financial, location, physical, language or other barriers.

Academic Excellence:  We expect academic rigor in all curricula and from all students. We commit to the premise that quality teaching with comprehensive support will result in positive learning outcomes and student achievement.

Openness and Respect:  We recognize, promote and appreciate a broad range of cultures, attitudes and viewpoints and create an environment of respect, caring and trust. Each individual, no matter his or her limitations, has intrinsic dignity and unique capabilities.

Principles

• Academic Freedom
• Collaboration
• Commitment
• Equity and Diversity
• Excellence
• Integrity and Accountability
• Learning Experience
• Lifelong Learning
• Student Success

Goals

Students attaining goals: All students attending SUNY ECC academic, job training or lifelong learning programs will achieve their self-defined goals.

Resources in place: Sufficient capital investment support to accomplish the college master facilities plan and maintain continuing investment in buildings and equipment will be available.

Perception of quality: There will be broad awareness of the quality of instruction and value of the education offered at SUNY ECC.  Build pride internally and community-wide for SUNY ECC.

Flexibility around student wants: SUNY ECC will have an any time, any place learning environment, supported by services, using a variety of modalities.

Educational experience: The educational experience for all SUNY ECC students will be challenging and expansive – even life changing – with students demonstrating successful learning outcomes and great satisfaction with their SUNY ECC experience.

Diversity: The College will have an inclusive environment that attracts and retains faculty, staff and students who embrace diversity.  Every aspect of the College, including student life, teaching, training, hiring and community involvement will encompass diversity.

Safety and security: All students, faculty, staff and visitors will be – and will perceive that they are – safe to pursue their academic and co-curricular activities and achieve goals.

Campus Development: The campus/academic configuration will be developed to serve the needs of our current and potential students, taking advantage of opportunities and advancing the development of a one-college concept.

A Valued Resource: SUNY ECC will be the partner with whom everyone wants to work.  Business, government and other organizations will trust SUNY ECC to deliver for them.