Goal 1.  Increase student retention, completion, and transfer rates.

CCA will raise its student retention, completion, and transfer rates annually through 2013.  To achieve this goal, the college will focus on improving student engagement and academic success.  Strategies for these improvements will include, among others: Strengthening support services for all students taking classes in alternative formats, including online; addressing student needs for financial aid, recreation, and social activities; strengthening programs such as developmental education, ESL, tutoring, and orientation; and upgrading facilities at the Lowry and CentreTech campuses. The college will provide students and potential students with a clearer understanding of career pathways and of the opportunities available through transfer articulation agreements. Measures: Annual changes in student retention, student completion, and student transfer rates 

Goal 2.  Continually improve student learning.

CCA students will learn more quickly and thoroughly each year from 2009 to 2013.  To achieve this goal, the college will consistently emphasize its commitment to high quality, rigorous, student-centered instruction.  Among the strategies to achieve this commitment will be the adoption of best practices from other institutions or from research; incorporating simulation and other innovative strategies to deliver instruction; using data to inform instructional decision-making; adding full-time faculty positions when possible; increasing the availability of library, technology, and other support services; globalizing CCA’s curriculum; and maintaining effective physical learning environments. The college will add fast-track programs and open entry classes starting every week to give students the option of completing some certificates and degree at a faster pace. Measures: Annual changes in the assessment of student learning and in evaluation of instruction 

Goal 3.  Increase student enrollment.

The college’s enrollment will grow annually from 2009 to 2013.  To achieve this goal, CCA will recruit more new students for enrollment, increase the retention of current students, and re-enroll previously enrolled students.  CCA will reach out internally and externally to groups underrepresented in the student population including Hispanics, veterans, students in transition, second language learners/international students, high school students, and older adults. To reach higher enrollment numbers, CCA will offer and market new programs in additional occupational and academic areas and introduce innovations in class scheduling, format, and delivery.  The college will provide students and potential students with a clearer understanding of career pathways and ways to continue their education through transfer agreements with Colorado four-year colleges and universities.  Measures: Annual changes in student headcount, FTE, retention, and re-enrollment 

Goal 4.  Strengthen human resources.

CCA will continue to strengthen its human resources during the next five years. To accomplish this goal, the college will implement strategies such as expanding professional development and recognition for faculty and staff at all levels, building community within CCA. The college will improve methods for employee recruitment and selection so that CCA has the best possible person in every position.  CCA will continue to develop emergency plans and security services, so the college will be a safe environment for faculty, staff, and students.  Measures: Annual changes in related results on faculty and staff surveys           

Goal 5.  Strengthen the college’s visibility and community relations.

Over the course of the planning period, the college will increase its visibility and strengthen its community relations.  To accomplish this goal, CCA will expand relationships with employers and the workforce system, strengthen its partnerships with K-12 and post-secondary education, and promote collaboration with the CCA Foundation.  The college will encourage community involvement by faculty and staff. Through public relations and marketing via various media outlets, CCA will provide information to the community about the excellence of its faculty and programs and its accomplishments in areas such as sustainability, globalization, and diversity. Measures: Annual changes in enrollment as a percent of service area population