EDUCATIONAL ROLE, MISSION, PURPOSE, AND RESPONSIBILITY

Role and Mission

Texas public junior colleges shall be two-year institutions primarily serving their local taxing districts and service areas in Texas and offering vocational, technical, and academic courses for certification or associate degrees. Continuing education, remedial and compensatory education consistent with open-admission policies, and programs of counseling and guidance shall be provided. Each institution shall insist on excellence in all academic areas—instruction, research, and public service. Faculty research, using the facilities provided for and consistent with the primary function of each institution is encouraged. Funding for research should be from private sources, competitively acquired sources, local taxes, and other local revenue.

Education Code 130.0011

Purpose

The primary purpose of each public junior college shall be to provide:

1. Technical programs up to two years in length leading to associate degrees or certificates.

2. Vocational programs leading directly to employment in semiskilled and skilled occupations.

3. Courses in the core curriculum or a field of study curriculum. 4. Continuing adult education programs for occupational or cultural upgrading.

5. Compensatory education programs designed to fulfill the commitment of an admissions policy allowing the enrollment

of disadvantaged students.

6. A continuing program of counseling and guidance designed to assist students in achieving their individual educational goals.

7. Work force development programs designed to meet local and statewide needs.

8. Adult literacy and other basic skills programs for adults.

9. Such other purposes as may be prescribed by the Coordinating Board or local governing boards in the best interest of

postsecondary education in this state.

Education Code 130.003(e)

Institutional Responsibility

In addition to specific responsibilities imposed by the Education Code or other law, each institution of higher education, including each college district, has the general responsibility to serve the public and, within the institution’s role and mission, to: 1. Transmit culture through general education.

2. Extend knowledge.

3. Teach and train students for professions.

4. Provide for scientific, engineering, medical, and other academic research.

5. Protect intellectual exploration and academic freedom.

6. Strive for intellectual excellence.

7. Provide educational opportunity for all who can benefit from postsecondary education and training.

8. Provide continuing education opportunities.

Education Code 51.354(b)