Introduction

College Catalog

The college catalog is the official publication issued by the college, and is available online at: www.kirtland.edu/college-catalog. The catalog includes detailed information concerning programs of study, course descriptions, admission and graduation requirements, and services for students. The contents of the college catalog are subject to change. The catalog is not to be considered as a contract or agreement between the student and the college.

College Email Statement

Kirtland Community College has established email as a primary vehicle for official communication with students, faculty and staff. Each registered student and active faculty and staff member is assigned an official Kirtland Community College email address. All official college email communications will be sent to the assigned Kirtland.edu address, including but not limited to communications from faculty to students registered in their classes and from departments on campus to students.

The college expects that students will receive and read email in a timely manner. Failure to receive and read college communications delivered to official email address in a timely manner does not absolve recipients from knowing and complying with the content of such communications.

This policy is motivated by the speed, cost-effectiveness, convenience and environmental awareness.

Vision, Mission, and Guiding Principles

Kirtland Community College Vision

Kirtland will be the first choice for learner-centered education guiding students and communities toward success.

Kirtland Community College Mission

To provide innovative educational opportunities to enhance student lives and build stronger communities.

Kirtland Community College Values

• Excellence: Expectation that all college activities are conducted with attention to quality and the highest levels of academic and professional standards.
• Inclusiveness: Conducting the activities of the college in a manner that inspires tolerance and welcomes diversity of people and thought.
• Innovation: Addressing challenges and issues from multiple perspectives to solve problems and advance college processes and knowledge. Supporting progressive and meaningful research, creative activity and teaching.
• Reflection: Evaluating processes and assessing success through honest conversation and the use of data.
• Character: Steadfast adherence to the principles of integrity, honesty, reliability, transparency and accountability.
• Respect: Respect for the rights, differences and dignity of others and their contribution to the overall success of the college.

Kirtland Community College Purposes

TO ACCOMPLISH THE MISSION, KIRTLAND:

1. Provides occupational programs that educate learners for the workforce of the future.
2. Provides transfer courses and programs that encourage learners to continue education at other colleges and universities.
3. Offers non-credit community and cultural education that enhance the lives of citizens.
4. Offers education to the incumbent workforce thereby supporting community economic development.
5. Provides supportive services that mentor learners to become successful while enrolled in courses.
6. Provides student activities that encourage the development of community service and leadership skills.
7. Facilitates collaborations with other colleges and schools that enhance the educational services in Kirtland’s service area leading to a better educated citizenry.
8. Encourages innovation among employees and community members for the benefit of Kirtland and its communities.

General Education

Kirtland Community College is committed to the belief that all graduates should possess the skills and breadth of knowledge necessary to realize their potential to live full and productive lives. This belief forms the foundation of Kirtland’s commitment to the process and goals of general education.

General education is the heart of the educational experience at Kirtland. General education seeks to make people intellectually wellrounded, whole, and complete. It comprises that core of knowledge and skills that educated people need regardless of what career or vocation they enter.

The pursuit of general education provides learners with the broad intellectual foundation necessary for continuing growth to achieve their potential and become successful lifelong learners in a changing world. General education provides the common knowledge and skills that enable us to understand one another, interact, collaborate to solve problems, and build an effective community.

Kirtland Community College seeks to achieve the aims of general education in three ways:

• Communication – read, write, speak, listen and use nonverbal skills to clearly, concisely, and intelligibly communicate with different audiences in a variety of social and professional settings.
• Personal Growth and Responsible Citizenship – act purposefully, effectively, and responsibly to function in social and professional environments as a productive citizen in the community.
• Technology, Research, and Information Literacy – recognize how to acquire and use information through responsible use of technology to understand, evaluate, and synthesize information and data.
• Problem Solving – think critically and creatively to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate to solve real world problems.
• Work Productively – use reasoned judgments and responsible commitments in social and professional settings to contribute to group success.
• Systems/Processes – apply quantitative and qualitative reasoning skills, problem solving, and interpersonal skills to manage systems and processes to adapt to changes in the workplace and global community.

2.  General Education Across the Curriculum

All of Kirtland’s degree courses, regardless of discipline, are designed to build upon, apply, and continue to nurture the development of the knowledge and skills acquired in the general education core.

3.  Extracurricular Programs and Events
Kirtland seeks to extend, foster, and enrich the general education experience for its students through a variety of extracurricular programs and events, such as those listed below:

Performing Artists Series, Center for the Performing Arts, Student Writing and Art Competitions, Community Education Programs, and Kirtland Youth Theatre.

These and other cultural activities and programs at Kirtland help to foster intellectual curiosity, cultural enrichment, communication, critical thinking, diversity, lifelong learning, social and cultural awareness, and other general education goals.

College Overview

Establishment of the College

On March 17, 1966, in accordance with provisions of Public Act 188 of the Michigan Public Acts of 1955, Kirtland Community College was created by a vote of the electorate from six local K-12 school districts (Crawford-AuSable, Fairview Area, Roscommon Area, Houghton Lake, Mio-AuSable and West Branch-Rose City). With this approval, the largest Michigan community college district was formed. The college’s district totals 2,500 square miles and consists of all or part of nine counties. Approximately 67,000 people reside within the college’s district.

Accreditation

Kirtland Community College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, a commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools at 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602 (800-621-7440). The college also holds membership in the Michigan Community College Association and the American Association of Community and Junior Colleges.

The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools granted Kirtland Community College status as candidate for accreditation in 1972, and the college has been accredited as an associate degree-granting institution since 1975.

Students wishing to view documents pertaining to the accreditation and licensing of Kirtland Community College should submit their request in writing to the President’s Office. The request will be processed within five (5) business days of receipt. Any request requiring the copying of more than 50 pages will be assessed a copy fee of .10 cents per page.

Calendar

Kirtland operates on a semester calendar. There are two 15-week semesters, starting in late August and mid-January. A shorter session is offered during the summer and begins after Memorial Day.

Degrees and Certificates

Kirtland offers over thirty-six occupational (technical career oriented) certificate and degree programs and three transfer degree programs. Transfer programs are designed for students planning to complete up to half of a bachelor’s degree prior to enrollment at a university.

Intercollegiate Athletics

The mission of the athletic program is to provide men and women with the opportunity to learn and grow as a result of participating in a high-quality intercollegiate program. The program also attempts to improve student life and, in turn, improve the recruitment and retention of students. The athletic program also seeks to increase community involvement with Kirtland by providing sports entertainment at a level that previously has not been offered in the Kirtland region.

Kirtland competes in intercollegiate athletics as a member of the Eastern Conference of the Michigan Community College Athletic Association. Kirtland also competes in the National Junior College Athletic Association as a member of Region XII (Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana). Kirtland competes in men’s and women’s bowling, men’s and women’s golf, and men’s and women’s cross-country. For more information, call the Athletic Director’s Office at 989- 275-5000, ext 385.

Workforce Development

Workforce development programs serve employers in the region and their current employees who are seeking job skill upgrades and/or personal growth. These educational opportunities are specifically designed to upgrade and enhance the job skills necessary to compete in a local, state, national and global economy. Workforce development courses are custom designed to fill a specific need and include but are not limited to: welding, manufacturing, construction, and information technology; human resources; leadership and supervisory skills; and MIOSHA safety training and business practices. For additional information about workforce development educational opportunities, please call 989-275-5000, ext. 313.