CEI Core Themes

Mission Statement

To provide open access to affordable, quality education that meets the needs of students, regional employers, and community.

Core Themes

Learning for Work and Life
CEI is a place of learning where students prepare for transfer, careers, and effective citizenship. The college embraces active learning, and provides instruction that is not only academically rigorous, but tailored to the needs of the student and the community. Learning for work and life takes place in all areas of campus through transfer degrees, career-technical education, college and career readiness, and workforce training.

Student-Centered
CEI faculty and staff throughout the college are committed to students and their success. Well-functioning student support areas are critical to our students' success because they help model outstanding professional behaviors, and they provide comprehensive student support from first contact through degree and/or employment.

Community Engagement
CEI's focus on community is evident in a safe and inviting campus, which fosters communication, professional growth and adult enrichment through broad, collaborative relationships within academic and employer communities throughout the region.

Mission Definitions

• "Open access" — Open access refers to the notion that all who enter CEI will have a place to learn that which is appropriate to his/her goals. In addition to more traditional college degree programs, CEI open access includes College & Career Readiness (CCR), GED completion, English as a second language, and customized workforce training.
• "Affordable" — CEI strives to reduce cost barriers to education, making community college education cost-effective.
• "Quality education" — CEI provides a quality educational experience with highly qualified instructors who utilize best practices and state-of-the-art educational equipment and technologies.
• "Needs of student" — CEI provides an environment of service that supports student goals across all functions of the college.
• "Needs of regional employers" — Connections with regional employers ensure a prepared workforce and a talent pipeline for business and industry.
• "Needs of the community" — Commitment to the community is evident in the collegiality of faculty and staff, and in the broader collaborative relationships, CEI has forged within the local, regional, state, and academic communities.

Ripple Effect

Ripple Effect is an award that recognizes individuals or groups that show commitment and execution of CEI's core themes.  The core themes help inform the mission of the college and are important pieces to the direction of the college.  Each term, CEI selects a core theme focus.  The focus rotates through the three core themes as follows:

• Fall 2021:  Learning for Work and Life
• Spring 2022:  Community Engagement
• Fall 2022:  Student-Centered

To Nominate
Individuals and groups are nominated by anyone who has seen or worked with them and witnessed the behavior that demonstrates the core theme. The nominations are collected on a per term basis and in regard to the chosen core theme focus.  To nominate someone, use this link to fill out the form and submit: 

NOMINATE FOR THE RIPPLE EFFECT AWARD

Evaluation Process
All submissions must be received via the electronic form before the deadline:

• Fall deadline November 1
• Spring deadline April 1

All submissions are reviewed by the accreditation committee for the selection of the recipient of the award.  The award is presented at each fall and spring in-service, and the new focus is announced.