Mission Statement


SECTION A. VISION STATEMENT

   
 Darton College will be recognized as a vibrant and exemplary teaching and learning educational community where students are nurtured and encouraged to achieve their greatest potential. With a student centered faculty and staff who embrace diversity in a friendly and inclusive learning environment, Darton will be a valued leader, resource and model for our students and our community. Darton will provide the opportunity for all students to participate in every aspect of collegiate life, including personal enrichment in athletics, fine arts, and wellness. The College will provide technologically advanced educational opportunities in response to the community's need for quality, affordable, and accessible programs, while partnering with business, industry, and other educational institutions to promote the economic and community development of our region.

     The College recognizes that education is a life-long process and is committed to providing the community with non-credit educational programs and cultural activities and to the support of community public service efforts.

SECTION B. MISSION STATEMENT

   
 Darton College is a comprehensive community-oriented institution within the University System of Georgia. Its principle mission is to provide educational programs, services, and opportunities to eligible citizens of southwest Georgia. Darton College seeks to serve by:

1.
RESPONDING TO LOCAL AREA NEEDS WITH A COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE:

  1. Darton College will provide high quality academic programs that assure   completion of core curriculum requirements and an opportunity for successful transfer into baccalaureate programs or entrance into professional occupations upon completion of two-year programs.
  2. Consistent with our local agreements with Albany Technical College and other technical colleges, Darton College will provide pre-baccalaureate quality career preparation in select degree and certificate programs, particularly allied health, nursing, business, computer technology, and health/wellness.
  3. Darton College will encourage student participation in and appreciation of the performing and fine arts, as well as the role of aesthetics in human experience, and the function of ethics and morals in decision making.
  4. Darton College will expand its curriculum, programs, and activities to incorporate elements of internationalism and to foster a climate of multicultural understanding and acceptance.
  5. Darton College will support the physical as well as intellectual development of its students by encouraging participation in intercollegiate and intramural athletics, by providing instructional wellness programs, and by providing appropriate facilities for
    College and community use.

2. FOSTERING AND MAINTAINING A TEACHING/LEARNING ENVIRONMENT THAT SUSTAINS INSTRUCTIONAL EXCELLENCE FOR DIVERSELY PREPARED STUDENTS:

  1. Darton College will provide and maintain a comprehensive learning environment for students desiring the challenges and rewards of academic excellence.
  2. Recognizing the different intellectual aptitudes and learning patterns of students, Darton College will provide learning support courses and academic support services for those who are not completely ready for college-level work.
  3. For gifted students and those who seek the challenge of advanced classes and seminars, Darton College will offer an Honors Program.
  4. Recognizing the unique needs of special populations, Darton College will provide support services and programs for students who may require special attention or reasonable accommodations.

3. PROVIDING HIGH QUALITY EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AND SERVICES:

  1. Using state-of-the-art technologies, Darton College will provide both transfer and pre-baccalaureate career-specific programs, as well as select certificate programs consistent with our local agreements with technical institutes, that foster academic excellence.
  2. In collaboration with area technical institutes, Darton College will provide general education and support services for students of those institutions who desire the associate degree.
  3. Darton College will provide a broad range of support services for its students including, but not limited to, career planning, program and course selection advising, financial counseling, minority and disabled student advising and counseling, job placement assistance, and extracurricular activities. Services will be designed to promote educational, cultural, social, physical, personal, and professional growth.
  4. In preparation for entrance into the contemporary social and employment environments, Darton College will educate its students in the technologies of a global information age.

4. MAKING A COMPREHENSIVE COMMITMENT TO THE TOTAL NEEDS OF SOUTHWEST GEORGIA:

  1. Darton College will work collaboratively with other institutions to utilize distance learning technologies to provide lifelong learning opportunities for area residents.
  2. Believing that all of life is a field of learning, Darton College will offer a wide range of continuing education programs, seminars, and courses designed to enhance personal and professional growth.
  3. Darton College will share its physical facilities, faculty and staff expertise, and informational resources in support of educational, cultural, civic, and economic development.
  4. Darton College will collaborate with other area System institutions to assure the most efficient and effective utilization of each institution's resources in responding to the needs of the service region.

5. SUPPORTING FACULTY DEVELOPMENT IN ORDER TO ENCOURAGE INSTRUCTIONAL EXCELLENCE, SCHOLARLY ADVANCEMENT, AND CREATIVE ACTIVITIES:

  1. Darton College will promote and support scholarly and creative activities that encourage enhanced instructional effectiveness and professional development.
  2. Darton College will promote and support faculty engagement in community service, academic research, and participation on System committees and activities.
  3. Darton College will promote and support faculty participation in international studies and activities, as well as the expansion of the College's global center.