1. C.1 The institution addresses its role in a multicultural society.
The Robert B. Miller College was established to meet the need for a four-year institution of higher learning in the community. The mission of the College, as published in the catalog, numerous other documents and the Miller College website states: “The College meets the educational needs of a diverse student population by allowing them to complete their educational programs in a variety of learning formats.” Diversity is an integral part of the Strategic Plan, a product of faculty, staff, administration, and the Board of Trustees. The College draws students from urban and rural communities in Southwest Michigan, principally from Calhoun, Barry, Branch, and Kalamazoo counties. The College advertises six times a year in the Nueva Opinión newspaper, the only Hispanic newspaper in town. In addition, the College recruiter attends community Hispanic fairs. The student body demographic trends show that since inception our percentage of minority students has remained relatively stable. However, the percentage is still higher than the percentage of minorities in the population of the College services area. (See Demographic Report 2005-5012 (105 KB, PDF) and WJ Schroer Company Report). Miller College’s student demographics reflect trends similar to the U.S. Census Bureau 2009 population estimates for Calhoun County, Michigan also report a thirteen percent minority population (See U.S. Census Bureau, General Demographic Characteristics).
Miller College also establishes partnerships with local minority owned and international businesses such as Stewart Industries and Denso Manufacturing Michigan. Additional partnerships include local nonprofit organizations including the Urban League of Battle Creek, Lutheran Social Services, Nottawaseppi Huron band of the Potawatomi Indians and VOCES. Faculty and staff participate in various community activities. Examples of community partnerships include the Charitable Union, Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce and the Community Literary Collaboration. The College hosts an annual golf outing to raise scholarships for veterans.
Evidence:
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