our MISSION

Chesapeake College empowers students from diverse communities to excel in further education, employment, and participation in an interconnected world.

Embracing the importance of student learning to our mission, the College:

  • Empowers students as independent learners who are intellectually competent, skilled in the application of learning, technologically proficient, and grounded in the values and common goals of our civic culture
  • Challenges students to see beyond themselves to better understand their place in a global society and culturally diverse world, while preserving and enhancing the rich cultural heritage of the region
  • Provides a curriculum and activities that meet the needs of an increasingly diverse student population
  • Enhances learning opportunities, in partnership with community organizations, that reinforce the value of service to others and strengthen students’ ethical development and civic engagement
  • Ensures an environment conducive for learning by providing appropriate facilities, support services, technology, and other resources to enhance student learning

Recognizing our role as an engine for regional economic and community development that improves the quality of life for those in our service region, the College:

  • Supports workforce development by providing the courses and training needed to build a skilled labor force
  • Enhances enjoyment and appreciation of the arts by incorporating cultural activities into the curriculum and bringing fine and performing arts events to the region
  • Sponsors a broad range of community and civic activities that reflect the College’s role as a community-learning center
  • Extends access to baccalaureate and graduate degree programs for Upper Shore residents through inter-institutional partnerships

our CORE VALUES

STUDENT-CENTERED

Empowering and supporting each student to achieve their greatest potential while making decisions with our students in mind

QUALITY

Creating a dynamic environment for learning and development that establishes high standards for individual excellence

SUSTAINABILITY & RESPONSIBILITY

Taking responsibility for our actions, acting as responsible stewards of our resources, and adhering to the highest standards of ethical and civic behavior

COMMUNITY

Engaging our community and serving as a catalyst for positive change on campus and in our region through effective communication

TEAMWORK & SHARED GOVERNANCE

Working together through collaboration to develop ideas, knowledge, and creative solutions

INNOVATION

Creating an environment where campus stakeholders are empowered to exercise collaborative creativity and innovation

DIVERSITY & RESPECT

Fostering inclusiveness and an appreciation for individual differences

ADAPTABILITY

Responding rapidly to local and global change

our STRATEGIC PLAN

Together, we hold the power to shape the trajectory of our students’ lives, empower each other to thrive, and propel our communities toward prosperity.

GOAL 1: EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP
Serve as the leading source of high-quality, comprehensive general and technical education in the region, catering to the ever-evolving needs of the workforce

In our rapidly evolving world, education is paramount in shaping individuals for success. Chesapeake College is dedicated to attaining educational leadership in the region, serving as the primary destination for top-tier, comprehensive general, and technical education. In order to secure this position, it is imperative to continually assess enrollment and completion data and outcomes, ensuring the delivery of sustainable, relevant programming to the residents of the Mid-Shore. Our transformative initiatives, whether credit or noncredit, aim to empower individuals and communities, fostering lifelong learning and prosperity.

  • Objective 1.1 Improve enrollment and completion rates in general and technical education programs
  • Objective 1.2 Elevate the quality of general and technical education programs through the assessment of student success, satisfaction, and learning outcomes
  • Objective 1.3 Amplify the institution’s visibility and reputation as a leader in both general and technical education
  • Objective 1.4 Improve student completion outcomes as measured by wages, job placement, graduation and transfer rates, and satisfaction with their educational experiences
  • Objective 1.5 Lead the development and delivery of innovative and relevant education programs at a regional level—both general and technical

GOAL 2: EMPOWERED STUDENTS
Empower all students to reach their full potential by fostering holistic development—including academic, interpersonal, and personal growth

At Chesapeake College, students are the cornerstone of our mission—our success is measured by theirs. Whether pursuing vocational training, earning credits for transfer, or engaging in lifelong learning, we’re dedicated to ensuring students’ achievements extend far beyond the classroom. We
prioritize their holistic development, supporting their academic journey while fostering interpersonal skills and personal growth. Our goal is to empower every student to thrive in their programs, communities, and personal lives.

  • Objective 2.1 Explore diverse models and funding sources to progress towards a more holistic advising approach to address students’ academic, interpersonal, and personal development needs
  • Objective 2.2 Expand engagement in co-curricular activities
  • Objective 2.3 Reduce barriers for prospective and current students to enhance enrollment, retention, persistence, and completion rates
  • Objective 2.4 Refine the evidence-based strategic enrollment strategy to improve credit and noncredit recruitment and enrollment
  • Objective 2.5 Evaluate and refine the prospective student onboarding process, creating a more streamlined and user-friendly experience for both credit and noncredit offerings

GOAL 3: THRIVING PARTNERSHIPS
Strengthen meaningful connections and partnerships between the institution and the community

Chesapeake College is committed to building bridges between our institution and the community. We achieve this by fostering meaningful connections and partnerships with employers, non-profit organizations, and educational institutions across the Eastern Shore. Through open communication, collaborative initiatives, and shared data, we strengthen connections and leverage coordinated fundraising to ensure student success and the continued vitality of our communities.

  • Objective 3.1 Facilitate collaboration and partnership with regional educational institutions, community leaders, and alums to better address local needs
  • Objective 3.2 Collaborate with regional employers to  address workforce demands
  • Objective 3.3 Maximize the College’s visibility in the region by establishing the campus as a local hub for community engagement
  • Objective 3.4 Ensure the College’s viability through collaborative fundraising endeavors

GOAL 4: INNOVATION & PROGRESS
Cultivate an innovative and forward-thinking environment where new ideas and technologies thrive

Thriving in today’s dynamic world requires continuous improvement, openness to innovative ideas, and a  commitment to student success in all its forms. At Chesapeake College, we embrace these principles  wholeheartedly. By streamlining operations, fostering data-driven decision making, and continuously adapting to technological advancements, we empower our employees to deliver exceptional service. Ultimately, these efforts culminate in an elevated online learning experience for our students, ensuring their success wherever their  educational journey takes them.

  • Objective 4.1 Improve document management and archival practices throughout the institution
  • Objective 4.2 Foster a culture of data literacy among employees to bolster continuous, institution-wide improvement
  • Objective 4.3 Develop deliberate and innovative solutions to adapt to evolving technology and enhance institutional efficiencies
  • Objective 4.4 Elevate the quality of online services, teaching, and learning to facilitate student success

GOAL 5: INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE
Ensure a success-oriented, inclusive college community that mirrors the diversity of our service area, prioritizing equity and mutual respect as fundamental values

Fulfilling our mission requires fostering a vibrant and inclusive community that reflects the rich diversity of our service region. At Chesapeake College, we believe in a deeper kind of inclusion—one where respect is woven into the fabric of our daily interactions, and where equity of opportunity empowers every member to thrive. This unwavering commitment to inclusion is not just the right thing to do—it’s essential for student success and institutional excellence.

  • Objective 5.1 Increase the recruitment of historically underrepresented groups for faculty and staff positions
  • Objective 5.2 Boost enrollment of students from underrepresented groups
  • Objective 5.3 Advocate for equity in student success outcomes through curricular and co-curricular support initiatives
  • Objective 5.4 Develop and implement a culturally responsive teaching and learning curriculum across all disciplines