Following are the most commonly used terms in relation to strategic and operational planning at Lower Columbia College.
Mission
The overarching purpose for the organization. The Mission statement is reviewed annually in February by the LCC Board of Trustees per our policy governance guidelines.
Vision
How we view ourselves. The Vision statement is reviewed annually in February by the Board.
Values
The specific principles that guide us in our work. The Values statement is reviewed annually in February by the Board.
Objectives
What we intend to accomplish within each distinct area of service (mission area). Objectives are required by the NWCCU and are set by the Board.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Metrics we use to measure progress toward accomplishing our mission. KPIs are required by the NWCCU and are set by the Board.
Monitoring Reports
We report our status with each of our KPIs in annual Monitoring Reports. There is one Monitoring Report for each mission area, presented to the Board at five meetings throughout the year. Each Monitoring Report has a review team made up of faculty and staff from across the institution, with student and community representatives. Analysis from the teams is included in each report.
Strategic Initiatives
The approach or approaches we will take within each mission area to keep us moving toward achieving our mission over the next three to five years. Input for the Strategic Initiatives comes from members of the Monitoring Report review teams, the Executive Leadership Team, LCC employees (based on input provided during campus review periods), and the Board.
Annual Priorities
The tactics we will use to keep us moving toward achieving our mission over the next year. Input for the Annual Priorities comes from members of the Monitoring Report review teams, the Executive Leadership Team, LCC employees (based on input provided during campus review periods), and the LCC Board of Trustees.
Planning Categories
Planning Categories represent the different types of planning that need to occur across all Core Themes to ensure we are staying on track with accomplishing our mission.
Unit and Supporting Plans
Supporting documents that contain more detail about what is happening in different areas of the campus are referred to as unit and supporting plans. Examples include the Emergency Operations Plan, and Facilities Master Plan.
