Our Vision

American River College is a premier learning community that transforms and enriches people's lives.

Our Philosophy

We believe:

• Students are the reason we are here; their education is our primary responsibility. 
• Education plays an essential role in cultivating critical and creative thinking, and in fostering responsible citizenship.
• Students should be encouraged to recognize learning as a rewarding lifelong process. 
• The college is a community in which every person is capable of growth in an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust. 
• Collegiality among faculty and staff is central to that special tradition we call the ARC family.
• A wide diversity of cultures and perspectives enriches our community and adds significantly to the process of learning.
• The college serves as a resource for improving the life and culture of the greater community.
• Identification of student learning outcomes promotes the effective use of our resources, in order to improve student success.

Our Mission  

American River College will:

• Serve all students who are capable of benefiting from community college instruction.
• Introduce students to those broad areas of human knowledge and understanding that contribute to purposeful and meaningful lives as members of a global community.
• Prepare students to transfer to and succeed at a four-year institution.
• Provide education and training to prepare students for employment or to enhance career skills.
• Provide remedial education that advances students' basic skills so they can reach their academic or vocational goals.
• Provide instruction in English as a second language for non-native speakers.
• Recognize student achievement through awarding certificates and degrees.
• Offer opportunities for lifelong learning and continuing education.
• Provide counseling and other support services to help students identify their goals and achieve their potential.
• Maintain an educational environment that respects and accommodates a diversity of individual backgrounds, abilities, interests and opinions.
• Work in partnership with students, business, the community, government, and other schools to foster community and economic development.
• Provide professional development opportunities for all college employees.

Approved by President Marie Smith, May 3, 2004.