The activities which Austin Community College is to undertake in addressing the needs of its service area are enumerated in policy A-1, College Mission. Within the scope of that mandate, this policy gives more specific direction about desired results, priorities, and cost issues.

[1] The basic result to be produced by operation of the College, in conjunction with other community sectors, is that all service-area adults have the post-secondary and higher education they need for productive, successful lives.

[2] Accredited preparation shall be provided for as many career areas and university-transfer options within the mission of the College as is feasible. Special emphasis shall be placed on providing post-secondary education (including needed preparation) to people who are educationally disadvantaged or are not well-served by other colleges, and to preparation for family-wage careers (either directly or after further higher education).

[3] In addition to mastery of the specific subject-area knowledge and skills needed to meet their education-related goals, students completing College programs shall have the general skills needed for success in employment and higher education: these include dependability, effective communication, gathering and critically assessing information, problem-solving, teamwork, leadership, and a focus on producing results of high quality.

[4] In programs in which local tuition/fees and state-reimbursement revenues fully cover overall costs (including indirect, facility, and capital costs), the extent of program offerings shall be determined primarily by student demand. Programs requiring significant subsidy shall be offered in accordance with a community-priorities plan adopted by the Board, which shall be based on consideration of local workforce and higher-education needs.

[5] The College shall organize its activities so as to produce as high a level of overall value for the community as possible, and shall be efficient in the way it requires others (especially students) to spend money and time.

[6] The College shall create a good place to work, to learn, and to otherwise experience the higher-education process.