Criterion 1: Info and Co-Chairs

Criterion 1: Mission

What it means:

Criterion 1 is about making sure the College’s mission is clear, publicly shared, and actively shapes everything we do. Our mission should not just be words on a page—it should guide decisions about programs, student services, budgeting, community involvement, and diversity efforts.

Why it matters:

Accreditors want to see that our college knows why it exists, that our programs and services align with this purpose, and that we serve the public good. They’ll look for proof that our mission influences both everyday actions and long-term planning.

Examples of Evidence You Might Have

Mission Alignment (1.A):

Syllabi or program descriptions showing how courses connect to the mission
Orientation materials for students, employees, or board members that highlight the mission
Recruitment materials that reference our mission or values
Budget requests or planning documents that demonstrate alignment with the mission.

Mission and Public Good (1.B):

Records of community partnerships, service-learning projects, or workforce development initiatives
Evidence of advisory boards, clinical sites, or training programs that serve local needs
Flyers or programs from cultural events, public lectures, or performances open to the community
Documentation of campus facilities used by community groups.

Mission and Diversity of Society (1.C):

Course-based activities that promote civic engagement or global awareness (e.g., capstones, service projects, study abroad)
Records of student clubs, athletic team service projects, or volunteer initiatives

Co-Chairs

Dr. Melissa Kuehnle, aka Captain Connection
Director, Institutional Communications

Learn a little more about Captain Connection:

What silly talent do you secretly have?
I can juggle balls and rings, and I can do the spinning plate.

Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever been?
The Hana Lava Tube in Maui. It was a cave that looked like melted chocolate was dripping down the walls.

If your life had a theme song, what would it be?
“Born This Way” by Lady Gaga

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Asena Mott, aka The Guardian of Learning
Dean, Off-Campus Instructional Sites

Learn a little more about The Guardian of Learning:

What’s your favorite board game or card game?
Skip-bo (part luck, part strategy, works for older and younger people, as well as small or larger groups)

If you could instantly master any hobby or skill, what would it be?
Playing the piano masterfully. I play, but it’s definitely not at the master level. That takes a lot of time, and I’m not prioritizing practice. It would be nice to just sit down and be perfect.