Maroon & Gold Standards

Together we inspire and transform lives.

Back to Top

Jackson College is a world-class institution of higher education where learners succeed and community needs are met.

Back to Top

At Jackson College, our values are more than ideals, indeed they are lived commitments. They shape how we teach, lead, serve, and grow together. In a time of complexity and change, these values offer clarity and direction. They remind us of who we are, what we stand for, and how we carry our mission into every classroom, office, and conversation.

These values are aspirational by design and are intended to guide our daily work and elevate our collective purpose. They reflect our belief in the power of education, the importance of human connection, and the responsibility we hold to the public and one another.

Jackson College Values:

• We pursue truth through learning, dialogue, and discovery –  We believe education begins with curiosity and thrives in a culture of evidence, inquiry, and intellectual courage;
• We embrace the dignity of every person through compassion and respect -We care deeply for our students, employees, and communities, and honor each voice as essential to who we are;
• We create opportunity through access, support, and belief in human potential -We are committed to helping every learner advance toward a better future;
• We serve our communities with purpose and pride -Our mission compels us to strengthen the region we call home—through education, workforce development, and civic engagement;
• We cultivate innovation to meet the challenges of tomorrow -We are future-focused, always learning, and unafraid to rethink how we teach, lead, and serve; and
• We lead with integrity and are accountable to the public trust -In every decision and every action, we uphold the highest standards of ethics, transparency, and stewardship.

Back to Top

At Jackson College, our mission is more than a statement…it is a commitment lived out daily through the work of every one of us. In a time of complexity, rapid change, and increasing fragmentation across society, we are choosing to be a community grounded in shared purpose, high standards, and mutual respect.

This Statement of Beliefs reflects who we are and how we serve. It connects our individual roles to the College’s larger mission and provides a common foundation for our decisions, actions, and relationships.

These beliefs affirm our dedication to student success, professional integrity, innovation, and the public trust. They are not abstract ideals. They are commitments we live by, each of us, every day, and hold ourselves in account to, because our work is important, our service to students is essential, and the College we build together must be impactful.

As employees of Jackson College, we believe…

• student success is our highest calling.
• in acting with integrity and in service to the public trust.
• in pursuing truth through inquiry, evidence, and dialogue.
• in serving others with professionalism, respect, and compassion.
• innovation is vital to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.
• we grow together through shared purpose and mutual responsibility.

Back to Top

Reasonable, Sustainable, and Actionable Expectations Employees Should Have of Their EMPLOYER

At Jackson College, we believe that a thriving workplace is built not only on shared mission and values, but also on mutual understanding between the College and its employees. In an era marked by rapid change, increasing demands, and new ways of working, it is important to articulate what employees can reasonably expect from their employer.

These expectations are not abstract ideals; they are grounded in respect, professionalism, love, care, and service, as well as a commitment to institutional sustainability. They reflect our belief that a healthy organization honors its people by providing clarity, fairness, and support, while also upholding the standards necessary to serve our students and our communities well.

Not every decision will include every employee, and not every challenge will have an easy answer. But we are committed to creating a work environment that is intentional, just, and human-centered. The following list outlines the foundational commitments that employees may reasonably expect from Jackson College in our shared work.

At Jackson College, employees may reasonably expect from their employer to:

1. Be Treated with Respect and Professional Courtesy – All employees should expect to be treated with civility, fairness, and basic human decency in the course of their work;
2. Receive Clear and Timely Communication – Employees should expect important and relevant information to be shared in a timely, clear, and consistent manner to help them perform effectively;
3. Work in a Safe and Orderly Environment -The workplace should be free from undue hazards, harassment, or dysfunction, and provide the tools needed for employees to succeed in their roles;
4. Have Clearly Defined Responsibilities and Expectations -Employees should expect to know what is required of them, receive feedback on their performance, and be supported in meeting clear, reasonable expectations;
5. Be Offered Opportunities for Skill Development and Growth – Every employee should expect access to tools for professional development, learning, and improvement; however, such development does not guarantee career advancement.
6. Maintain a Reasonable Workload and Time for Renewal – The College should strive to ensure employees are not consistently overburdened and have the time and space necessary to recharge and sustain high-quality work;
7. Receive Fair Compensation and Benefits – Employees should expect to be paid fairly, and on time, for their work and to have access to benefits that support their personal and family needs, within the College’s resources and contractual parameters;
8. Be Recognized for Contributions – Employees should expect their efforts to be reasonably noticed, acknowledged, and appreciated, whether informally or through formal recognition efforts;
9. Be Trusted to Do Their Job – Employees should expect a baseline of trust, professional autonomy, and respect for their ability to carry out their duties, with accountability to same, but without unnecessary micromanagement; and
10. Have Opportunities for Input Where Appropriate – While not all employees will be involved in all decisions, they should expect that their input will be welcomed in areas relevant to their responsibilities and that supervisors and leadership will listen with sincerity when feedback is sought.

Back to Top

Reasonable, Sustainable, and Actionable Expectations Jackson College Should Have of Its EMPLOYEES

As a public institution, Jackson College exists to serve the people of Jackson County and beyond through education, opportunity, and community impact. Our employees are the stewards of this mission. Whether in classrooms, offices, labs, or remote workspaces, each employee plays a vital role in fulfilling the promise of the College.

Excellence is not accidental—it is the product of clear expectations, ethical conduct, personal responsibility, and shared engagement. The following list outlines what Jackson College may reasonably expect from all employees. These expectations reflect standards of highly effective workplaces and are aligned with both the mission of the College and the trust placed in us by the students, families, and taxpayers we serve.

1. Serve Others with Excellence: Employees are expected to provide consistently high levels of service to students, coworkers, and the public. This includes demonstrating professionalism, kindness, responsiveness, and a willingness to go beyond minimum requirements to solve problems and improve experiences.
2. Act in the Interest of the Mission, Not Self: Decisions and behaviors must reflect a commitment to the College’s mission and to those it serves—not personal convenience, recognition, or self-interest. Employees should remain mindful of how their choices impact the greater good.
3. Demonstrate Loyalty and Constructive Support for the College: Loyalty includes supporting the College’s goals, representing the College positively, in the community, and contributing to a healthy, united workplace. Constructive feedback and respectful disagreement are welcome—but must be rooted in a spirit of shared success.
4. Uphold the Highest Standards of Ethics and Professional Behavior: Employees are expected to act with integrity, honesty, and fairness. This includes avoiding conflicts of interest, protecting confidential information, honoring commitments, and complying with College policies and applicable laws.
5. Be Present, Reliable, and Ready to Contribute: Regular attendance, punctuality, and active engagement are essential. Employees should come prepared each day—whether in person or remote—and take full ownership of their responsibilities and work quality.
6. Strive for Excellence and Continuous Learning: A commitment to growth is expected. Employees shall pursue opportunities to improve their skills, stay current in their fields, and adapt their work to changing needs and new ideas.
7. Use College Resources Responsibly and Honorably: All College resources—time, technology, funding, and facilities—should be used efficiently, ethically, and solely for professional purposes. Employees are expected to avoid waste and treat public assets with care.
8. Foster a Respectful, Collaborative, and Engaged Work Environment: A healthy workplace depends on respect of the hierarchy of decision-making, on-going communication, and cooperation. Employees should actively contribute to a positive environment by engaging with others professionally and avoiding divisive or counterproductive behaviors.
9. Adapt to Change and Support Institutional Priorities: As the College evolves to meet new challenges, employees must remain flexible and responsive. This includes being open to new tasks, new technologies, and new ways of working that support Jackson College’s strategic direction.
10. Communicate with Honesty, Clarity, and Purpose: Effective communication is essential. Employees should speak and write clearly, listen actively, and provide feedback constructively. Employees must understand that not everything can be known by everyone, and in the moment – that there is a difference between ‘needing to know’ for one’s job duties, and ‘wanting to know’ which is idle curiosity. Communication should support understanding, alignment, and the successful pursuit of College goals.

Back to Top