An institution of higher learning must do more than prepare students for a job or a career. The overall goal of education must be to help students become productive people who are aware of the ideas and aspirations which motivate human thought and action, and who can successfully use their understanding of the world, themselves, and their roles in society.
Education is a shared responsibility among college students, faculty, and administration.
Since lifelong learning is necessary for living in a constantly changing society, the general education core exposes students to a variety of learning experiences. There must be sufficient breadth and depth in the curriculum to meet the needs, interest, and abilities of all students. A general education core curriculum will ensure that the Community College System graduates well-educated men and women who are intellectually flexible, articulate, creative, and prepared for continuous growth. For all students, this implies some understanding of the world of work and career fields and an understanding of their own abilities, interests, and needs. The general education core curriculum will also help students to develop their own values, to pursue goals, and to contribute to the political, moral, social, and cultural enrichment of society.