Criterion 1: Mission Mountain

After a brief introductory session to accreditation in higher education and specifically the Higher Learning Commission, ASU-Newport employees visited the first destination in our five-part professional development session – Mission Mountain – where we focused on one of the most important parts of accreditation—our mission.

At our college, our mission is clear: we provide accessible, affordable, and innovative learning opportunities that transform lives and strengthen the regional economy.

We compared our mission to a mountain because it is:

In simple terms, our mission helps answer an important question: Are we doing what we say we do—and doing it well?

Why This Matters

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) expects colleges to clearly share their mission and show how it guides their programs, services, and decisions.

This means:

• We work to keep education accessible so students can get started and stay on track
• We focus on affordability to reduce barriers and support student success
• We create innovative learning opportunities that prepare students for today’s workforce

HLC is not just looking for a mission statement on paper—they want to see that we actively live it every day.

Putting the Mission into Action

Through group discussions and activities, employees shared real examples of how our mission shows up in real ways across campus.

They shared examples of how we:

• Expand access to education for our community
• Keep costs manageable for students and families
• Offer new and effective ways to learn

They also reflected on how well our mission guides daily decisions and identified ways we can continue to improve.

Transforming Lives and Strengthening Our Community

Our mission goes beyond the classroom. We are committed to helping students succeed in their careers and in life.

This work helps:

• Transform lives by opening doors to new opportunities
• Strengthen the regional economy by preparing a skilled and educated workforce

Serving the Public Good

Another key focus was our responsibility to serve the public good. This means our work goes beyond individual success—we aim to make a positive impact on our community.

We do this by:

• Supporting student success beyond the classroom
• Building partnerships with local organizations
• Preparing students to understand different perspectives and contribute as informed, responsible citizens, strengthening our communities and workforce

Moving Forward

Criterion 1 reminds us that our mission is not just something we say—it is something we do.

As we prepare for accreditation, we remain focused on keeping our mission at the center of our work—so we can continue to serve our students and support our community.