Building on last year’s districtwide, 10‑month effort to develop a ten‑year strategic plan, members of our college community spent this past fall engaged in a semester‑long process of previewing, gathering feedback on, and ultimately affirming our IVC Inspire 2035 goals and priorities. Through approximately 50 presentations and conversations across shared governance councils and committees—including sessions with the Classified Senate, Academic Senate, Student Government, and a collegewide town hall—our community came together to thoughtfully and boldly shape the college’s blueprint for the next decade.
Our collective work culminated at the December 10, 2025, College Council meeting, where the council accepted the edits and recommendations from the Strategic Planning & Oversight Workgroup (SPOWG) and formally adopted six institutional priorities, each paired with two goals, for a total of twelve collegewide goals. Through IVC Inspire 2035, we reaffirm our commitment to student success and equity, economic and social mobility, community vitality and engagement, sustainability, and a workplace culture that supports growth. These priorities position us to meet current needs while preparing for tomorrow’s challenges.
Since the start of the spring term, we have also facilitated meaningful dialogue around our institutional values. Through an iterative process, we developed a set of themes that were reviewed and refined throughout our participatory governance structure. Institutional values describe the principles and behaviors that guide how we work, learn, and lead together. They define the culture we commit to—how we treat one another, make decisions, and serve students. In essence, our values describe how we act.
I’m pleased to share the institutional values recently adopted by College Council on February 25, 2026:
Excellence – Excellence with Purpose
We pursue exceptional teaching, learning, and service that elevates the success and well-being of every member of our community.
Community – A Community of Care and Collaboration
We cultivate a caring, connected environment where people feel welcomed, supported, and valued.
Inclusivity – Equity and Belonging for All
We commit to removing barriers, designing inclusive environments, and creating opportunities where all students and employees can thrive. We honor diversity and affirm the unique contributions of each community member.
Integrity – In Action
We practice honesty, transparency, and accountability in every decision and interaction. Integrity guides how we teach, serve, lead, learn, and collaborate, shaping a culture people can trust.
Innovation – That Serves and Inspires
We embrace creativity and forward thinking to build a future-ready college. Through continuous learning, we reimagine how to meet the evolving needs of our students, employees, and community.
Empowerment – Growth and Confidence
We empower students and employees by providing the encouragement, tools, and opportunities needed to grow with confidence. We believe in people’s potential, and we invest in it.
Sustainability – Stewardship for Today and Tomorrow
We steward our resources, facilities, and environment responsibly to support long-term institutional resilience, student success, and the well-being of future generations.
These institutional values create the foundation for the next phase of our work as we fully develop IVC Inspire 2035—our Vision and Mission. I encourage you to remain engaged, share your insights, and contribute to shaping these important next steps in our IVC Inspire 2035 journey—together building a future‑ready IVC that reflects our shared values, aspirations, and commitment to those we serve.
With warm regards and solidarity,
John Hernandez