Strategic Plan FY2026-FY2030
This strategic plan will move AACC forward as a dynamic and student-centered college that delivers exceptional learning experiences while protecting the long-term viability and sustainability of the institution. The plan is grounded in our core values, ensuring AACC remains committed to putting students first in everything we do.
Anne Arundel Community College is a premier learning community that transforms lives to create an engaged and inclusive society.
With learning as its central mission, Anne Arundel Community College responds to the needs of our diverse community by offering high quality, affordable, accessible and innovative lifelong learning opportunities.
Nurture the college’s impact in the community through mutually beneficial connections.
External partnerships are cultivated to effectively address the evolving needs of our community.
Cultivate a culture where all feel welcomed, valued and supported so they may continually grow and succeed.
All students feel empowered with a sense of belonging and agency while accessing affordable, high-quality higher education.
Provide innovative, rigorous and evidence-based teaching, collaborative and flexible learning opportunities, holistic student support services and collegewide resources that empower students to achieve their goals
A responsive and forward-looking institution that evolves to meet the changing needs of its learners, advancing student success through continuous improvement and assessment and strategic use of resources to preserve institutional sustainability
Student learning experiences are aligned to create education-to-workforce pathways that address community needs and enhance opportunities for financial growth and career advancement.
The completion of degrees, certificates and credentials continues to align with regional trends and demographic shifts to prepare students for financially sustaining incomes.
Provide holistic support for students, ensuring their academic, personal and professional growth through engaging activities and experiences
A positive, vibrant community that leads to student achievement and success for all
Academic Excellence: The pursuit of the highest quality in teaching, learning and scholarship to foster student success, critical thinking and lifelong learning.
Activity: A specific action that drives the work for the strategic plan each fiscal year.
Agency: The capacity of students, faculty and staff to make informed choices and take actions that influence their educational and career pathways.
Assessment: The systematic process of collecting, analyzing and using data to evaluate the effectiveness of educational programs, student learning and institutional operations.
Belonging: The experience of students, faculty and staff of feeling valued, included and connected to the college community.
Benchmark: A standard or point of reference used to measure performance and progress against best practices or institutional goals.
Collaborative Learning: An instructional approach that encourages students to work together to enhance problem-solving, communication and critical thinking skills.
College Plan: The annual priorities and actions determined by the president and vice presidents that support the implementation of the strategic plan.
Community: A broad term encompassing students, faculty, staff, local businesses, industries, governmental organizations and residents who engage with and support the college.
Continuous improvement: The ongoing, systematic efforts to enhance institutional effectiveness, student outcomes and overall educational experience.
Dual Enrollment: A program allowing high school students to take college-level courses for credit, providing an early start on higher education or career training.
Economic and Social Mobility: The ability of individuals to improve their economic status and social position by providing affordable, accessible pathways to higher education, skill development and career opportunities.
External Partnerships: Collaborations between the college and secondary/ postsecondary institutions, businesses, industries, governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations and individuals to enhance educational opportunities and workforce development.
Flexible Learning: Educational models that provide students with varied instructional methods, schedules and formats (e.g., online, hybrid, accelerated courses) to accommodate diverse needs.
Goal: A broad, long-term aspiration that guides institutional planning and student achievement efforts.
Holistic Support: Addresses all aspects of a student’s needs – academic, personal and professional – to promote overall well-being and success.
Indicator: A measurable metric used to assess progress toward a goal or objective, such as graduation rates, job placement or student retention.
Objective: A specific, actionable and measurable target designed to advance the college’s mission and drive decisions that impact institutional success, supporting the achievement of broader institutional goals.
Outcome: The intended result or impact that the college strives to accomplish through its objectives within a specific strategic planning cycle.
Regional Trends and Demographic Shifts: Changes in population, economic conditions and social factors affecting educational needs, often referenced through reports such as “Poverty Amidst Plenty VII: Moving Forward Together” (Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County).
Rigorous Teaching: The intentional design and delivery of high-quality, evidence-based instruction that challenges students to think critically, engage deeply with content and apply their learning in meaningful ways.
Student-Centered Culture: Every aspect of the college – its practices, policies and people – is intentionally designed to prioritize and support the academic, personal and professional growth of students. It reflects a deep, institutionwide commitment to meeting students where they are, valuing their experiences and empowering them to achieve their goals.
Student Support Services: Programs and resources designed to help students succeed academically, personally and professionally, such as tutoring, advising, counseling and financial aid assistance.
Sustainability: The institution’s ability to maintain its mission, services and impact over the long term by responsibly managing resources, adapting to changing needs and ensuring financial, academic and operational stability.
Workforce Training Program: A curriculum or series of courses designed to equip students with industry-specific skills, credentials or certifications to meet local and regional labor market demands.
Viability: The institution’s ability to remain operationally, financially and academically strong over time.
Vibrant Resource: A dynamic, inclusive and growth-oriented college that actively contributes to regional vitality.