THE FUTURE
“It is clear that the community college system is a valuable investment that gives immediate returns - to taxpayers, to students, to the business community.” State Senator Bill Finch |
Today the marketing and promotion of Housatonic Community College is successful.
Housatonic is growing - growing in enrollment, in campus expansion, and in its impact on the community, state, and nation.
The worldwide web is becoming more accessible and as more homes have computers with internet connections. HCC must continue to respond to advancing technology. HCC must begin researching methods of e-commerce and adapt the practices that will best serve Housatonic, its students, and the community. The web provides virtually instant access to a wealth of information. Housatonic must be an integral resource in providing information to an expanding public.
The College also must become the information resource for the community. Data concerning research, education, and business are more accessible through Housatonic's outreach resources to members of the community. If a business needs employment projections to justify its expansion, HCC can provide the data and prepare students to be employable when that business expands. By being the information resource, HCC maintains its leadership position in the revitalization of the community.
HCC must look toward innovative methods of production and distribution of its literature. Advances in technology must continue to be utilized when they offer more efficient means of production.
As the needs of the students change, so must the messages presented to potential students. Additional media outlets need to be explored. As HCC's reputation and influence grows, the College must continue to make media contacts throughout the nation. HCC's endeavors, academic and legislative, as well as the many successes of students, faculty, and staff need to be presented to the widest audience.
Efforts need to be expanded to promote the College's programs and services such as financial aid, academic quality, scholarships, and career guidance through third-party endorsements.
Tomorrow's success will require an awareness of opportunities and the ability to capitalize on those opportunities in a manner that is timely, responsive, positive, and beneficial to the College.
Community colleges are gaining in prominence as the most logical and viable means of obtaining a first-class affordable education. The College's marketing and promotion department must continue to ensure that everyone knows what we know: Housatonic Community College is the premier educational resource of the community.