EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY

The Los Angeles Community Colleges affirm the principle that individuals should have opportunities to develop to their full potential. To that end, our main responsibility is to students and to the provision of education, which benefits students and enables them to contribute to society.

Our colleges, therefore, should be accessible to all individuals who have the capacity and motivation to profit from higher education. Curricula and services of our colleges should provide the means for fulfilling the promise of open access.

We recognize the necessity to adapt to the changing educational needs of the Los Angeles Community Colleges’ communities and to the growing diversity among students. The quality of the educational Experience is to be judged by its value to students and communities, not merely by quantitative appeal. We further recognize that academic freedom is Essential to excellence in education

A VISION FOR THE FUTURE

Through innovative programs and responsive Community services, West Los Angeles College empowers students to succeed.

VALUES STATEMENT

Our vision is supported by the principles we share in common as faculty, staff, and students:

Student Success
Empowering students to be effective in school and in life respecting student needs. Engaging students in dynamic, creative dialogue Engaging students actively in college development

High Standards and Excellence
Pursuing excellence. Setting high expectations for our students and ourselves having pride in the college.

Flexible, Future-Oriented Perspectives
Being able to anticipate change and embrace the future. Developing openness to innovation and change Cultivating resiliency, flexibility, adaptability, and creativity

Personal Integrity and Mutual Respect
Practicing the values of respect, honesty, courtesy and fairness pursuing our goals with dedication and commitment following through on commitments.

Critical Thinking
Engaging in deliberative dialogue and decision making.

Teamwork, Communication, and Support
Promoting success across the college advancing a collaborative ethos Providing encouragement, support, and recognition for a job well done. Listening actively and carefully communicating in a timely and open manner.

Community Service
Establishing connections to the community respecting community needs. Being open to the community having pride in the college.

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of West Los Angeles College is to serve the students and the community by providing quality instructional and support services including programs, facilities, and open access for all who can benefit from its instruction.

The college, as an institution of higher learning, is committed to an environment that reflects respect for all students. The college provides an educational experience that is challenging and inclusive of the needs of its diverse student body. The college affirms the belief that multiculturalism contributes to the success of all students as they learn to value the diversity of the college and society. West Los Angeles College’s mission is founded upon a commitment to assist each student in developing an educational success strategy. The college implements its mission through:

Transfer Education to provide general education and major preparation for those students who plan to continue their studies at a four-year college or university.

Career and Occupational Education providing certificate and associate degree programs to meet the needs of those students preparing for employment in a changing, globally-centered society, and those currently employed who wish to train themselves or update their skills to meet the growing demands of increasingly interdependent societies.

General Education to introduce students to the humanities, the arts, the social and natural sciences, allowing them the opportunity for personal, intellectual and cultural growth; while providing oral and written communication, mathematics, critical thinking skills, and international perspectives necessary to succeed in life.

Foundation Skills Program to provide students with the necessary capabilities in mathematics, verbal and written language skills, and study skills to successfully complete a certificate, degree, or transfer program.

Economic Development to develop educational partnerships with business, industry, labor and government in order to offer programs for the working adult or those preparing for work, recognizing that the nature of work grows increasingly international in content and global in scope.

Continuing Education to meet, where possible, educational needs of the community not otherwise served by regular college programs.

Support Services to assist students in defining and achieving their educational goals.

Student Activities to involve students more fully in the college experience.

The college promotes and encourages the continuous and timely examination of college programs and services to assess their effectiveness and ensure maintenance of academic excellence.