Statement of Purpose

Shelton State Community College is an open‑admission, state‑supported, comprehensive community college whose primary purpose is to provide accessible postsecondary education in academic, technical, and occupational fields. The College includes the C.A. Fredd Campus, which is designated as a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). Shelton State Community College also offers specialized training through the Alabama Fire College Personnel Standards Commission and Training for Business and Industry.

Shelton State recognizes the activities listed below as specific components of its purpose.

1. Provide general education programs at the level of the first two years of college.

2. Provide academic educational programs to prepare students for transfer to upper‑division college programs or to specialized linkage programs.

3. Provide occupational, technical, and specialized training programs through which students may acquire job skills for employment and workers may upgrade job skills.

4. Provide developmental education to help students acquire the competencies necessary for success in college‑level courses.

5. Provide qualified teaching, supported by adequate facilities, within a climate conducive to learning.

6. Provide specialized training programs in fire service and emergency medical training as requested throughout the state.

7. Provide a library of print and non‑print materials and services to support all instructional areas.

8. Provide a broad range of student support services (admissions and records, advising, special services, testing, tutoring, etc.).

9. Provide students with opportunities for aesthetic, cultural, and physical self‑improvement.

10. Encourage student participation in the life of the College.

11. Promote mutually productive relationships with business, government, and industry.

12. Educate students to live and work in a global community of increasingly interdependent countries.

13. Respond, when possible, to other educational needs of the community by offering classes and workshops that provide personal, civic, and cultural enrichment.

14. Cooperate with the community in educational, cultural, and civic projects appropriate to school policies and procedures.

15. Encourage high quality performance of College personnel through professional development.

16. Maintain a comprehensive planning system to promote institutional effectiveness.

17. Remain flexible and responsive to innovative educational enterprises that have potential benefits for the future of the institution and the community it serves.

18. Provide educational access and opportunity for African‑Americans while also responding to other needs of a culturally diverse college community.

Shelton State Community College attempts to achieve its purpose according to the policies and procedures of the Alabama State Board of Education.