Mission & Vision & Institutional Effectiveness
Mission
The Mission of Alaska Christian College is to empower Alaska Natives through biblically based higher education and Christian formation to pursue excellence in character, learning, and service as followers of Christ.
Vision
The Vision of Alaska Christian College is to be the premier college of choice for Alaska Native students so that our graduates follow and serve Christ within the Church and larger society.
Institutional Goals
The institutional goals for Alaska Christian College stem from the mission statement. Each goal is followed by specific objectives.
Effective Teaching and Learning
– ACC program objectives are achieved
– ACC engages in assessment to improve, inform, and demonstrate student learning
Student Success
– ACC students successfully access and engage resources with a specific relevance toward Alaska Native
– ACC students are retained and persist to achieve their academic goals
Christian Formation
– ACC students are encouraged to develop a biblical worldview and a passion to know and experience their faith in an everyday context.
– ACC is a safe community where students engage in activities designed to encourage personal, emotional, and spiritual formation.
Community Engagement
– ACC students engage in service-based relationship
– ACC preserves and develops strategic partnerships that are mutually beneficial
Institutional Excellence
– ACC intentionally stewards its human, financial, and physical resources
– ACC promotes an environment that embraces and displays an accurate understanding of Alaska Native culture.
– ACC assesses academic programs, academic support services, and institutional support services in a comprehensive systematic approach that fosters continuous improvement.
Institutional Outcomes
The primary means used to measure institutional effectiveness and document student success are displayed below.
Graduation / Completion Rates
Overall Graduation Rate for Students who began their studies in Fall 2017: 19%
Overall Graduation Rate by Gender: Male: 22%; Female: 18%
Overall Graduation Rate by Race/Ethnicity: American Indian/Alaska Native: 22%
Retention Rates
Retention Rates measure the percentage of first-time students who return to ACC and continue their education the following Fall semester. The following data is based on 29 students who began their studies in Fall 2018 and returned Fall 2019:
Full-time students: 56%
Part-time students: 100%
* This data is comprised from data collected in IPEDS reporting, more specific information can be found at: ACC’s College Navigator page
Student Satisfaction
The Student Satisfaction Inventory (SSI) measures student satisfaction and priorities, showing how satisfied students are as well as what issues are important to them. Ruffalo Noel Levitz analyzes survey data and presents comparative scores for institutions to measure their effectiveness internally and against national norms. Alaska Christian College administers the SSI on a yearly basis. ACC evaluates the data in comparison to the national average scores for four-year private institutions from the Western Region and other ABHE schools.
ACC’s Top Five Institutional Strengths from the May 2021 survey:
– The campus is safe and secure for all students.
– The campus staff are caring and helpful.
– Financial aid counseling is available if I need it.
– Tutoring services are readily available.
– Students are made to feel welcome here.
ACC SSI Summary Data May 2021
49 out of 77 students completed the survey (64% completion rate).
Program Objectives and Program Outcomes
The Purpose Statements and Objectives of Alaska Christian College’s four academic degree programs and general education requirements are listed below. Click the links below to select the Assessment results from the stated assessment cycle.
GENERAL EDUCATION
Purpose Statement
The purpose of the General Education coursework is to develop Christians who are critical thinkers, equipped to engage their culture and make a difference in the world. Graduates are prepared to affect change in the world through a foundation of multi-disciplinary education. The general education courses serve to foster wisdom and knowledge gained from academic study across various curriculum, providing the footing for strong leadership that is informed and disciplined. Additionally, the courses serve to support the degree programs.
Objectives
The General Education coursework enables the student to do the following:
– To foster a Biblical worldview across multiple academic disciplines
– To develop information literacy, aptitude for research, and the ability to think critically
– To equip individuals to grow in character, knowledge, and discipline
– To provide the basic framework and understanding of multi-disciplinary subjects required for having an understanding of the world from various academic disciplines
Assessment Reports
General Education 2018
General Education 2019
General Education 2020
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
Purpose Statement
The Associate Degree in Behavioral Health prepares graduates to have the educational foundation to serve as “Behavioral Health Aides” as determined by the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium. The emphasis requirements ensure that students receive clinical instruction in order to obtain the fundamental knowledge, skills, and ethical principles for professional entry-level work in the behavioral health field. The emphasis focuses on Alaskan Native issues presented in rural Alaskan environments and may provide a basis for continued study in human services related programs.
Objectives
The AA in Behavioral Health enables the student to do the following:
– Demonstrate professional knowledge of the helping profession with commitment to ethical quality health care practice in rural settings
– Demonstrate competence in basic attending skills with individuals (active listening, summarizing, reflection, etc. . .)
– Promote healthy behaviors on an individual, family, and community level
– Advocate for the inclusion of community elder wisdom and willingness to help other medical or behavioral health providers understand the importance of recognizing traditional values and practices
– Learn to integrate a deep understanding of how personal faith and beliefs create an underlying foundation for work in the helping profession
Assessment Reports
Behavioral Health 2018
Behavioral Health 2019
Behavioral Health 2020
CHRISTIAN MINISTRY
Purpose Statement
The Associate Degree in Christian Ministry prepares graduates to serve in various ministry positions, particularly those within the state of Alaska. The degree requirements ensure that graduates gain the biblical, theological, and general education necessary to serve in a church or ministry setting. An emphasis is placed on the practical application of skills necessary in a ministry setting as well as providing a basis for continued study beyond the degree program.
Objectives
The AA in Christian Ministry enables the student to do the following:
– To serve as leaders in a ministry setting
– To develop techniques, skills, and strategies necessary for ministry practice
– To apply these techniques, skills, and strategies through practical ministry experience
– To develop an understanding of the character, spirituality, and sense of calling necessary for ministry practice
Assessment Reports
Christian Ministry 2018
Christian Ministry 2019
Christian Ministry 2020
GENERAL STUDIES
Purpose Statement
The Associate in Arts in General Studies degree prepares students with an education that enables proficiency across a multidisciplinary spectrum. The courses taken in this degree program are ones which will prepare the graduate to either pursue further coursework in higher education, or for employment in a variety of different disciplines. These courses selected are considered core curriculum at many different colleges and degree programs, carefully chosen to optimize transferability, or employability, as the student graduates.
Objectives
The AA in General Studies enables the student to do the following:
– Develop technical skills and a working knowledge across a wide range of general topics that are useful in the workplace and continued education, including computer proficiency, research methods, effective communication, and competency in scientific and mathematical concepts.
– Cultivate a Biblical worldview that is practical for operating in a general studies context, such as work or school.
– Foster an appreciation for Alaska Native culture, values, and awareness
Assessment Reports
General Studies 2020
PARAPROFESSIONAL EDUCATION
Purpose Statement
The Associate Degree in Paraprofessional Education prepares graduates to serve as highly qualified paraeducators as determined by the United States Department of Education. The degree requirements ensure that graduates meet the requirements to be highly qualified to serve as paraeducators in any classroom, particularly those in rural Alaskan settings.
Objectives
The AA in Paraprofessional Education enables the student to do the following:
– To master the knowledge and skills necessary to work with students including: child development, educational psychology, and classroom management
– To develop techniques for engaging students while leading activities in the classroom
– To prepare students with dispositions that reflect that all children are capable of learning and deserve educational opportunities
– To demonstrate an integration of faith and learning
Assessment Reports
Paraprofessional Education 2018
Paraprofessional Education 2019
Paraprofessional Education 2020