GBCC Strategic Plan 2026-2029

Strategic Goal 1: Academic Excellence

“Maintain and enhance program and teaching excellence hallmarked by multifaceted curricula and innovative practices resulting in a successful, transformative educational experience for a diverse population of students.”​

Sub-Goal 1a: Support and encourage professional development, scholarship, and innovative and experimental practices in teaching. ​

Focus areas:

• Expand and support adult student learning strategies.
• Continue to integrate One –NHCC teaching and learning practices.
• Integrate responsible and effective use of AI in teaching and learning.

Sub-Goal 1b: Create a supportive and evidenced-based learning environment for students empowering them to thrive academically and reach their individual goals. ​

Focus areas:

• Expand experiential and career–related learning opportunities, including internships and externships.
• Strengthen pathways between noncredit and credit programs.

Sub-Goal 1c: Assess program effectiveness in meeting student learning outcomes to support and promote achievement in line with discipline and industry standards. ​

Focus areas:

• Ensure assessment practices to meet NECHE standards for Workforce Non-Credit Provider.
• Align program offerings with student demand and community workforce needs.

Strategic Goal 2: Student Success

“As the college of choice, create equitable pathways where community members become students​ and successfully complete their goals.”​

Sub-Goal 2a: Increase enrollment and retention of adult learners through flexible programming and tailored support services.​

Focus areas:

• Execute Strategic Enrollment Plan.
• Implement targeted recruitment strategies.
• Align support services with the needs of adult students.
• Expand and promote Prior Learning Assessment (PLA).
• Assess effectiveness of programming and support services.

Sub-Goal 2b: Strengthen retention and success for all students by providing academic and holistic support systems designed to meet the diverse needs and experiences of the College’s student population.  ​

Focus areas:

• Define and execute appropriate reports that quantify the student experience.
• Define and address barriers to success.
• Establish measurable retention and completion goals.
• Capture and analyze student goals at point of entry.
• Refine student onboarding practices.
• Advance affordability and access by leveraging services, supports, and community partnerships that reduce financial barriers.

Sub-Goal 2c: Promote student health and wellness to foster engagement and a strong sense of belonging.

Focus areas:

• Assess effectiveness of existing health and wellness programs.
• Gather student feedback through surveys and other engagement tools.
• Broaden the responsive programming that meets identified student needs.

Strategic Goal 3: Cultivate Community

“As an integral part of the New Hampshire Seacoast, Great Bay Community College will create and sustain mutually beneficial relationships among students, faculty, staff, and community partners that fortify the educational and workforce capacity throughout the state.”​

Sub-Goal 3a: Increase the College’s prominence and impact by strengthening awareness and communication of GBCC’s academic excellence, student success, and collaborative partnerships with community and industry. ​

Focus areas:

• Strengthen branding and messaging to reach current and future students.
• Educate community on GBCC’s value and what programs we offer, including Student Life.
• Measure the value and impact of communication marketing efforts.
• Enhance qualitative and quantitative feedback mechanisms for continuous improvement of awareness and communication efforts.

Sub-Goal 3b: Cultivate industry and educational partnerships that inform curriculum and program development and prepare students for high-quality employment. ​

Focus areas:

• Expand noncredit programming and bootcamps aligned with workforce needs.
• Engage community stakeholders through ongoing focus groups.
• Strengthen faculty and staff connections with community and industry partners.

Sub-Goal 3c: Strengthen the supportive and inclusive workplace culture through professional growth, collaboration, and active engagement with the community in service of the College’s mission.​

Focus areas:

• Define and refine institutional AI practices.
• Ensure a balanced resource allocation that reflects college priorities.

Rev. Aug 2026