“Pearl River Community College is a public institution committed to providing quality educational and service opportunities for all who seek them.”
The above is PRCC’s mission statement and the team with the Office of Planning and Institutional Research are constantly ensure they achieve that mission through specific programs, research and staff development.
The office’s primary function is strategic planning, Office of Planning and Institutional Research Vice-President Jennifer Seal said. That happens on two levels, institution and state.
“We look at our mission statement and make sure we are meeting our goals,” she said. “We look at internal performance indicators and review and document plans for improvements in different time intervals.”
On the state level, staff publish a report card, which they are required to provide to state legislators. This is important when state officials are making budget decisions and whether or not to increase state funding, Seal said.
The office also maintains a fact book on PRCC’s website, which can be found under the faculty and staff menu. From there, users can click on the Office of Planning and Institutional Research tab.
“We also provide useable data regarding college effective planning and evaluation,” Seal said. “Evaluation is important. Supervisors evaluate personnel, students evaluate instructors and employees evaluate supervisors.”
Seal said her office is also responsible for collecting data through the use of student surveys and assessment tools.
Every ten years the college is evaluated for accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commissions on Colleges.
Seal said she expects reaffirmation of that accreditation this year. A portion of the documentation sent to SACSCOC is proof that the college is meeting standard federal requirements. SACSCOC also answers to the Department of Education.
“We want to offer a quality higher educational product,” Seal said. “This office takes care of that.”
They also coordinate research activities. If those are approved, the board researches who would benefit from the gathered information, Seal said.
They also work to provide updates for policy and procedures manuals and announce college-wide information through newsletters.
Professional development opportunities are offered to all employees and the Office of Planning and Institutional Research hosts events to benefit community members.
They host the yearly Women’s Health Symposium and quarterly Lunch and Learn programs, Seal said.
This summer, the college will be hosting the Wildcat Way to Adventure, a program for elementary students, which will give them a glimpse of college.
At all three PRCC campuses located in Hancock, Pearl River and Forrest Counties, ACT preparation classes are offered, Seal said.
“We want to reach out to our community and get students on campus,” Seal said.