College History

In 1964 the need was recognized for expansion of the opportunities for higher education in the State of Iowa. Study committees across the State were appointed to gather and disseminate information and to consider the prospects for establishing two-year area colleges. On June 7, 1965, area school legislation was approved. By July of the same year, the study committees´ reports and proposals were published and distributed to school officials in the appropriate designated areas in the State. A proposal for Iowa Western Community College was authorized by seven county boards of education in Cass, Fremont, Harrison, Mills, Page, Pottawattamie, and Shelby counties for submission to the State Board of Public Instruction. After specific locations of campuses were agreed upon, approval was granted by the State Board in February 1966. Clarinda Junior College, which was established in 1923 and had a long history of providing a two-year liberal arts education in Southwest Iowa, was selected to serve as one campus, and a new campus was located in Council Bluffs. The College expanded into other parts of the district with the establishment of centers in Atlantic (Cass County Center), Harlan (Shelby County Center), and Shenandoah (Page/Fremont County Center).

On January 23, 1967, two vocational-technical programs were started using facilities in Council Bluffs. A major development was the addition of a liberal arts curriculum at the Council Bluffs Campus in the fall of 1968. Currently the College offers 84 different vocational/technical programs and Arts and Sciences/Transfer majors. Fall 2003 enrollment was 4,205 students. In addition, there are over 42,795 enrollments in continuing education classes each year.

Mission Statement

Iowa Western Community College is a learning community committed to excellence in meeting the educational needs and improving the quality of life through programs, partnerships and community involvement.

Vision Statement

Iowa Western Community College will be recognized as a premier educational leader and partner, with student learning and success being our highest priority.

Beliefs

These statements of Beliefs support and clarify the Mission Statement of Iowa Western Community College.

• Faculty, students, staff and community partners are equal stakeholders in the culture of our learning community.
• Each and every individual has dignity and worth.
• Community support depends upon identifying and meeting the diverse and changing needs of the people in Southwest Iowa.
• Each person deserves opportunities for lifelong learning and growth.
• Open, honest communication, through word and action, builds credibility and trust.
• Striving for excellence is worth the effort of all college employees.
• Cooperative partnerships, foster college and community growth.

Core Values

Caring

We believe creating an environment where people treat each other with a sense of dignity and self-worth and where people convey genuine concern for helping others to achieve their goals will add value to student learning experience.

Commitment

We believe acting with a sense of purpose, vigor, and passion and merging of our personal and work values will enable us to fulfill our pledge to provide opportunities, which encourage students to reach their full potential.

Challenge

We believe articulating and promoting academic and personal standards focused on raising self-expectations in striving for excellence will provide an environment, which leads to success.

Diversity/Anti-Discrimination Statements

Iowa Western Community College values diversity and supports learning experiences that promote intellectual growth and human enrichment.

Iowa Western Community College does not discriminate on the basis of disability, gender, age, race, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, or national origin in educational programs, activities, employment practices or admissions procedures.

Employment and Educational Equity Coordinators

Equal Employment Opportunity /Affirmative Action Coordinator
   Ms. Joan Ryan     712-325-3234

Title IX Coordinator (Gender Equity)
   Mrs. Jeanine Larsen      712-325-3293

Section 504 Coordinator ADA (Disability)
   Mrs. Jeanine Larsen      712-325-3276

Sexual Harassment Complaints
    Involving Employees
          Ms. Joan Ryan
    Student-to-Student
          Mrs. Jeanine Larsen