Mission Statement Discussion

A visiting team suggested the college review its Mission statement, as, “the college mission statement does not clearly define its students. In fact references to “uniquely Micronesian” and the “Federated States of Micronesia” imply the institution serves the entire population.”

“In its planning agenda for this standard, the college recognizes the need to revise the mission as needed and further, to develop goals and objectives to address better the “uniquely Micronesian” component of the mission.”

For the Mission statement, under the accreditation standard it states:

“Mission: The institution has a statement of mission that defines the institution’s broad educational purposes, its intended student population, and its commitment to achieving student learning.”

The comments above were provided by our ALO.

Please find below my suggestion:

The College of Micronesia-FSM is a learner-centered institution dedicated to the success of its students and committed to providing appropriate learning opportunities and developing personal excellence through excellent teaching, research, and community service.

I like the idea of including community service as part of the Mission statement.

I agree that it is a learner-centered institution but maybe we can be more specific and include student in there, just to make sure that we are focusing on our students. I also like that community service idea....interesting.

I tell my own students that my own mission is to help them cope with or manage change. Here is a note to a student of 25 years ago.

I have spoken about you every year since you left--You wrote an essay about someone left behind to learn the "old ways" --telling about knowing some of the old you will be leaving behind--fear that some of the new ways--were not good--I am paraphrasing of course. But I tell my students it is where I saw the whole picture facing Micronesians 8-80. What to keep from the old--and take from the new and therefore manage and cope with change. I therefore have always been indebted to you.

I am fine--and only take the sakau on Friday night (Joe H every night) and today is Friday! My Fondest Regards--Dr. Richard Womack

Thomas replied
"Dr. Womack - I still believe what I said over 25 years ago. In fact I am still practicing it. At times I would be appalled when new Micronesian students would just come out from there, yet oblivious to the fundamentals of our culture. I know they may think I am an old fashion guy, but that's what make me unique. I do not forget where I come from. I have always remember your advice which I now use when I deal with new students eager to study at UH Hilo; "CCM/COM is like the little league, now welcome to the major league." Indeed it is very true and that piece of advice prepared me for what was like a perfect storm for me. Luckily, I graduated and have done great things. Please send me your email address.

This fellow is from Satawal--the guy he left behind was to study the real old ways--the ways of the Navigator-Mau

Two good reads, the first a clarification of mission versus mission statements, the second the power of being terse:
http://blogs.hbr.org/pallotta/2011/01/do-you-have-a-mission-statemen.html

http://blogs.hbr.org/hbr/hbreditors/2010/10/the_eight-word_mission_stateme.html

Educating college-ready learners in academic and vocational disciplines.

That's eight - with a hypen... edited 13:38, 28 Feb 2012