Mission

Golden West College provides culturally affirming educational opportunities for our students and community to achieve upward mobility. Our academic excellence, exceptional student services, and community partnerships empower students to achieve personal and academic goals and contribute toward an inclusive and equitable society.

Vision

Elevating students to their highest potential.

Values

Equity Through Servingness: We are committed to culturally affirming classroom approaches, fostering community engagement, and identity development. As a minority-serving institution, we are equity-centered in curriculum, programs, and hiring practices to advance social mobility and civic engagement.

Faculty Excellence: Our faculty exemplify expertise and excellence through rigorous and transformative teaching, which fosters a supportive and inclusive environment. They are deeply committed to preparing all students to contribute meaningfully to society and excel in their chosen paths.

Advancement and Innovation: We promote individual growth and agency by inviting diverse perspectives and driving meaningful institutional advancements and innovation.

Collaboration and Partnerships: We value collaboration that advances educational opportunities and shared goals by nurturing partnerships with local school districts, the arts, business, industry, non-profits, and other organizations that align with our mission.

Environmental Sustainability: We are dedicated to cultivating a rich and engaging campus by strengthening practices that support and protect our natural resources.

Stewardship and Accountability: We are committed to the responsible management of college fiscal and human resources, engaging in the effective and transparent use of funds, nurturing employee potential, and strategically planning for a sustainable future.

Continuous Improvement: We are committed to a culture of continuous improvement, where innovation, learning, and collaboration drive our success. We strive to enhance processes, embrace change, and intentionally seek ways to improve the student experience and learning.

Vision 2030 College Goals

Enrollment 

GWC will increase credit and noncredit enrollment while providing efficient academic programs and student services. 

Equity and Success 

GWC will support, enhance, and develop equity-minded services and academic programs that lead to student success. 

Completion 

GWC will ensure students’ timely completion of degrees and certificates by providing high quality academic programs and student services. 

Workforce Preparation

GWC will support student success by developing and offering academic programs and student services that maximize career opportunities. 

Facilities

GWC will provide flexible, accessible, and sustainable learning environments that support the success of students, faculty, staff, and communities. 

Professional Development 

GWC will support the success of all employees by providing professional development opportunities that focus on the achievement of College Goals. 

Communication 

GWC will effectively communicate and collaborate within the College and its communities.

Golden West College Institutional Student Learning Outcomes

1. Specialized Subject Knowledge (Majors) – Demonstrate a depth of knowledge, skills, and abilities in a particular major.
2. Broad Knowledge – Demonstrate an understanding of the diverse perspectives, core concepts, and methods in the sciences, humanities, and arts.
3. Analytic Skills – Identify, evaluate, and apply logical and ethical reasoning to solve problems.
4. Information Competency Skills – Determine the scope of information needs; locate and retrieve relevant information; organize, analyze, and evaluate information; and understand the ethical and legal issues surrounding information and information technology.
5. Quantitative Skills – Convert information into relevant symbolic and mathematical forms (e.g. equations, graphs, diagrams, tables), provide accurate explanations of information presented in mathematical forms, and successfully perform calculations and symbolic operations.
6. Oral and Written Communication Skills – Produce clear and well-organized communication appropriate to the intended audience, context, and goal of the communication.
7. Applied Learning – Demonstrate how theories and practices learned in academic settings can be ethically applied and integrated into personal and professional pursuits.
8. Lifelong Learning – Demonstrate lifelong learning strategies that are based on on-going self-assessment, education, appreciation of diverse perspectives, and acceptance of personal responsibility.