Mission, Vision, & Strategic Plan

Mission Statement

Helena College supports our diverse community by providing the paths and tools necessary to assist learners in achieving their educational and career goals.

Vision Statement

Helena College aspires to empower our students through impactful, affordable, lifelong education that is responsive to the needs of our community in ways that are enriching, collaborative, and equitable.

Strategic Plan 2022-2027

In spring 2021, the Helena College Institutional Development, Effectiveness, and Accreditation (IDEA) Committee began development of a new strategic plan. Following a series of listening sessions open to all employees, a new mission and vision statement were established and approved by the campus, in addition to four guiding principles, which serve as pillars of the strategic plan. Under each guiding principle are statements that further define what it means for Helena College to live its mission, and strategic goals to help us achieve our vision. The plan was finalized by the Dean’s Cabinet in April 2022. More information, including strategic goal targets, rationale, and key performance indicators, can be found on the Strategic Planning page of the Helena College website.

Effectiveness

We utilize a variety of assessment practices to ensure continuous improvement and mission fulfillment.

1. Systematically assess and advance the strategic enrollment plan to support the mission of the College.
2. Demonstrate that students have learned requisite knowledge and skills relevant to their educational goals.
3. Apply research and assessment data to make evidence-based decisions regarding curriculum, instruction, programming, and resource allocation.
4. Utilize performance metrics for assessing institutional progress toward strategic goals.

Strategic Goal

Streamline and align assessment and data reporting practices to support decision-making and planning.

STEWARDSHIP

We act on behalf of stakeholders in the responsible planning and management of organizational resources while fostering a culture of integrity and accountability across our community.

1. Foster a culture of organizational stewardship that promotes accountability and integrity.
2. Demonstrate fiscal responsibility in the procurement and allocation of resources in support of the mission and vision of the college.
3. Utilize long-term planning for capital asset management, sustainability, and innovation in response to the needs of our students and communities. 
4. Leverage professional development to promote innovation and efficiency among all employees.

Strategic Goal 1

Develop and implement a new budget process that is data-driven, transparent, and aligns with our strategic plan. This process will include a 10-year master plan with renewal and replacement schedules for capital assets.

Strategic Goal 2

Conduct targeted trainings to increase employee understanding of stewardship.

Strategic Goal 3

Improve the return on investment in professional development activities.

Impact

We collaboratively create responsive educational opportunities.

1. Evaluate and respond to educational and workforce needs to cultivate mutually beneficial relationships.
2. Create and support academic pathways that align with strategic goals to promote seamless career transition or postsecondary transfer.
3. Stimulate curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving to promote student engagement and intentional self-discovery.
4. Collaborate to build a culture of adaptability, inquiry, respect, and civic engagement that works toward the common good.
5. Holistically support and empower students to attain academic, career, and personal goals.

Strategic Goal 1

Demonstrate campus-wide engagement with our community.

Strategic Goal 2

Utilize academic pathways to increase enrollment, retention, and completion.

EQUITY

We strive to foster a positive and welcoming climate where we value, include, and support everyone at Helena College.

1. Attract, retain, and support a diverse community of administrators, faculty, staff, and students.
2. Build and utilize community partnerships to recognize and address the holistic needs of our diverse population to bridge equity gaps.
3. Demonstrate a shared commitment to promoting equity in all areas of campus operations.
4. Identify and eliminate institutional barriers that have prevented the full participation of underserved groups.

Strategic Goal 1

Develop and implement strategies to disaggregate student and employee data to identify, monitor, and eliminate institutional barriers.

Accreditation, Certification, and Approval

Helena College University of Montana is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Accreditation of an institution of higher education by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of institutional quality evaluated through a peer review process. An accredited college or university is one which has available the necessary resources to achieve its stated purposes through appropriate educational programs, is substantially doing so, and gives reasonable evidence that it will continue to do so in the foreseeable future. Institutional integrity is also addressed through accreditation.

Accreditation by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities is not partial but applies to the institution as a whole. As such, it is not a guarantee of every course or program offered, or the competence of individual graduates. Rather, it provides reasonable assurance about the quality of opportunities available to students who attend the institution.

Inquiries regarding an institutions accredited status by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities should be directed to the administrative staff of the institution. Individuals may also contact:

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
8060 165th Avenue N.E., Suite 200
Redmond, WA 98052 (425) 558‐4224

In addition, the Aviation Maintenance Technology program is approved and licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration, the Practical and Registered Nursing programs are approved by the Montana State Board of Nursing, and the Cosmetology program is approved by the Montana State Board of Barber and Cosmetologists. The Accrediting Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) has awarded accreditation to the Associate of Science Registered Nursing Program.

All educational programs offered at Helena College are approved by the Montana Board of Regents, Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, and the United States Department of Education. Programs are approved for the GI Bill® education benefits.