Mission
As the college founded to serve the needs of Berkshire County, the mission of Berkshire Community College is to place higher education within reach of all Berkshire County residents.

BCC is committed to access, academic excellence, student success, and leadership in the community as a non-governmental, nationally recognized organization whose affiliated institutions include elementary schools through collegiate institutions offering post-graduate instruction.

• We will provide access to higher education by helping students overcome financial, physical, or social barriers.
  
• We will hold the college to standards of academic excellence that prepare students for transfer or careers, and that foster a lifelong enthusiasm for learning.
  
• We will promote student success by providing the resources and services students need to meet our academic standards and to achieve their personal and professional goals.
  
• We will provide leadership by convening and supporting collaborative efforts among community organizations, employers, and civic leaders by meeting the county's economic development needs, by serving as a center for cultural activities, and by providing learning opportunities for families and residents of all ages. 

Values
In recognition of its tradition and excellence in service, BCC affirms the following values:

Integrity in the College Workplace: Expect that the actions of all members of the college community are forthright and consistent with the college's mission.

Innovation: Promote an environment that encourages innovative thought and creative expression.

Community Engagement: Encourage all members of the college community to actively participate in the fulfillment of the college mission.

Respect for Differences: Foster an environment that respects and supports diversity and assures equity within the community.

Service: Maintain a community that demonstrates respect for growth, responsibility, and leadership through service to others. 

Accreditation

Berkshire Community College is fully accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). 

In preparation for its periodic evaluation by its regional accreditation agency, Berkshire Community College is seeking comment from the public about the College. 

The College will undergo a comprehensive evaluation visit October 25-28, 2009 by a team representing the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (CIHE) of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).

BCC has been accredited by the Commission since 1964 and was last reviewed in November 1999.  The accreditation process encompasses a review of the entire institution and its ongoing ability to meet the Commission's Standards for Accreditation.

The public is invited to submit comments to: 

Public Comment on Berkshire Community College
Commission on Institutions of Higher Education
New England Association of Schools and Colleges
209 Burlington Road
Bedfored, MA   01730-1433
or email: cihe@neasc.org

Comments must address substantive matters related to the quality of the institution or its academic programs.  The Commission cannot settle disputes between individuals and institutions, whether those involve students, faculty, administration, or members of other groups.  Comments must be in writing and signed.

All comments are due in the CIHE office by October 28, 2009.  In keeping with the Commission's policy, the written comments found to be in the scope of this policy, along with the name(s) of the person(s) submitting those comments, will be forwarded to BCC, which will be given the opportunity to reply prior to the Commission's meeting.

For a copy of the College's Self-Study, click here.