Atlanta Metropolitan College - Mission Statement
Atlanta Metropolitan College, located in the southwest quadrant of Atlanta and originally established as Atlanta Junior College, is a two-year non-residential unit of the University System of Georgia. The two-year program at Atlanta Metropolitan College, as well as the academic and student support services, reflect the commitment of the college to instructional excellence and high academic standards, while providing affordable, accessible, and relevant education for the diverse populations of metropolitan Atlanta.
Atlanta Metropolitan College shares with every institution in the University System the following core characteristics:
- a supportive campus climate, necessary services, and leadership and development opportunities, all to educate the whole person and meet the needs of students, faculty and staff;
- cultural, ethnic, racial, and gender diversity in the faculty, staff, and student body, supported by practices and programs which embody the ideals of an open, democratic, and global society;
- technology to advance educational purposes, including instructional technology, student support services, and distance education;
- collaborative relationships with other System institutions, state agencies, local schools and technical institutes, and business and industry, sharing physical, human, information, and other resources to expand and enhance programs and services available to the citizens of Georgia.
Atlanta Metropolitan College shares with other two-year colleges of the University System the following core characteristics:
- a commitment to excellence and responsiveness within a scope of influence defined by the needs of a local area and by particularly outstanding programs or distinctive characteristics which have a magnet effect throughout the region or state;
- a commitment to a teaching/learning environment, both inside and outside the classroom, that sustains instructional excellence, functions to provide University System access for a diverse student body, and promotes high levels of student learning;
- high quality general education programs which support a variety of well-chosen associate programs and prepares students for transfer to baccalaureate programs, learning support programs designed to insure access and opportunity for a diverse, student body, and a limited number of certificates or other career programs to complement neighboring technical institute programs;
- a commitment to public service, continuing education, technical assistance, and economic development activities which address the needs, improve the quality of life, and raise the educational level within the college's scope of influence;
- a commitment to scholarship and creative work to enhance instructional effectiveness and meet local needs.
Atlanta Metropolitan College is an exemplary teaching institution which specializes in providing challenging, supportive, individualized, and innovative learning experiences for both traditional and non-traditional students as they prepare for transfer to baccalaureate programs; for entry or re-entry into the labor force; and for effective, productive, and responsible participation in a rapidly changing, technologically sophisticated, global society. The high- quality learning experiences are delivered within an institutional culture which values on-going faculty-student interaction, faculty development for the study and implementation of innovative educational technologies, meaningful student participation in all aspects of college life, and a respect for intellectual and creative endeavors throughout the college community.
The program offerings at Atlanta Metropolitan College are designed for individuals with a wide range of academic preparation and educational needs.
- Degree-granting programs: transfer programs for students intending to pursue baccalaureate degrees; career programs for students seeking academic preparation for immediate entry into the labor force; and joint programs with Atlanta Area Technical School to complement vocational/technical certification.
- Certificate programs in specialized occupational fields.
- Focused learning support programs for students who need to strengthen their academic skills.
- Pre-college programs: enrichment programs to help students in at-risk situations prepare to enter college ready to succeed; and early admission and joint enrollment programs for academically talented high school students. Teaching and learning institutes for professionals to study pedagogical theories and strategies and to acquire training in state-of-the art educational, information, and management technologies.
- Cultural, co-curricular, and continuing education programs to facilitate lifelong learning as well as community and business development.
The college seeks to fulfill its vital role within the University System and the Atlanta community more effectively by forging stronger collaborations with school systems, senior colleges, government agencies and business, corporate, community, and civic entities. Furthermore, the college seeks to serve as an effective change agent within its geographical scope of influence through community revitalization efforts, relevant curricular and co-curricular activities, and expanded public service initiatives.
Across all disciplines, Atlanta Metro seeks to cultivate within its students a knowledge- base and repertoire of skills for success upon transfer and in a competitive workplace; a habit of informed, critical thinking; and a strong sense of personal and collective responsibility. Matriculation at Atlanta Metropolitan College enables students to assume their roles as competent, reflective and socially conscious citizen-thinkers.