Bainbridge College - Mission Statement
Bainbridge College is a two-year, nonresidential unit of the University System of Georgia located in the rural southwestern corner of the state. In addition to its own offerings in academic transfer and technical areas, Bainbridge College provides educational opportunities for area residents through its continuing education, joint degree programs with neighboring Thomas Technical Institute, upper division and graduate offerings by Valdosta State University and Albany State University, and distance learning transmissions from other academic institutions and governmental and professional agencies.
Bainbridge College shares with the other two-year colleges in the University System of Georgia the following core characteristics or purposes:
- 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;
- a high quality general education program which supports 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.
In addition, Bainbridge College shares the following characteristics with its thirty-three sister institutions of the University System of Georgia:
- 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 that 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.
Bainbridge College is the only comprehensive community college in southwest Georgia. Students come from the surrounding service area and other states and countries. Bainbridge College attracts students with its approach to education which includes programs in the liberal arts and technical and career training as well as noncredit activities.
This diverse student population includes many ages and socioeconomic backgrounds. All students commute to campus; approximately half attend college on a full-time basis. Most students are employed. Minority enrollment approaches the percentage of the minority population in the service area. Most students receive some form of financial aid, and many are first-generation college students.
In order to serve this heterogeneous student population, Bainbridge College has developed relevant strategies to meet student needs, including flexible class scheduling, a strong developmental studies department, a peer tutorial program, professionally staffed computer laboratories, and various specialized workshops to help students improve academic skills.
Bainbridge College's mission is three-fold: to provide transfer degrees, technical programs, and public service/continuing education courses. The College assists in area economic and community development programs and has established collaborative relationships with local businesses, industries, and cultural/civic groups. The College also supports local public education by sponsoring various academic and technical competitions and by offering on-going cultural programs, including lectures, musical programs, art exhibits, and theatrical performances for students and community.
Bainbridge College places primary emphasis on excellence in instruction. The College provides opportunities for faculty development, scholarship, and creative work that support institutional effectiveness and enhance faculty qualifications. Its faculty has one of the highest percentages of earned doctorates among two-year System institutions. Members of the faculty are active in professional and civic organizations and have accumulated a significant publication record.
As one of the younger System units, Bainbridge College is an evolving institution dedicated to providing a superior learning environment. Aspirations include the exploration of interactive computer technologies; development of campus facilities to maintain breadth in programs, services, and delivery systems; continuous improvement of administrative processes; and the refinement of assessment strategies that provide reliable feedback on institutional effectiveness and educational outcomes.