Institutional Improvement

The Continuous Improvement Process follows seven steps when setting goals and objectives for the college:

What is the Continuous Improvement Process (CIP)?

A systematic method of continuously improving processes to better meet and exceed stakeholder needs and expectations.

As a part of the AQIP accreditation process, the College is required to submit a Systems Portfolio. In this document, the College addresses the 9 AQIP criteria (listed below) by answering a series of questions related to context, processes, results, and improvement. The Portfolio must reflect current strengths and challenges and explain how the College plans to meet the needs of the College District. In addition, an Institutional Overview outlines the organizational structure, student and faculty demographics, and potential competition for students.

The Richland Educational Advisory Committee on Higher Education (REACH) concluded its year-long process of public engagement on August 17, 2004, with a presentation to the RCC Board of Trustees. The Community Chairs outlined the REACH process and then offered a series of recommendations based on the input and ideas from the community participants. These recommendations were accepted by Board Resolution that evening. The Executive Summary outlines the process and findings, and the REACH Recommendations list 6 major recommendations and additional sub-recommendations.

Institutional Improvement seeks to coordinate a number of College-wide initiatives, including but not limited to the following:

Strategic Planning—long-term organizational planning.

Academic Quality Improvement Program (AQIP)—The Higher Learning Commission/North Central Association accreditation program adopted by Richland in 2001. Includes the Vital Three Projects and the Systems Portfolio, due in November 2004.