At Whatcom Community College, all employees play a vital role in student learning and development while being learners themselves. Whatcom Community College's Professional Development program builds upon these strengths in a comprehensive, effective and efficient manner. Our goal is to assist all employees in their individual development, both professionally and personally.

Committee charge

Whatcom Community College's Professional Development Committee's (PDC) primary charge is to implement an outstanding program of professional development opportunities for all employees of the College as identified in the College's Strategic Plan 4.3: Provide ongoing opportunities for faculty and staff professional growth. 

The Committee is comprised of faculty, classified, and exempt staff. The committee has two subcommittees:

• The Sabbatical subcommittee - comprised of PDC faculty members and two professionals appointed by the President.
• The Professional Development Activities subcommittee - includes personnel from various areas on campus who can provide additional expertise.

Purpose statement

"To revitalize, inspire, and enhance professional and personal growth through a collaborative exchange of practices, concepts, and programs that promote skills, critical thinking, and lifelong learning within and across the college community."

Vision statement

The Whatcom Community College Professional Development Committee serves as a focal point for professional development to the entire College community by:

• Building on the existing wealth of knowledge at WCC for workshops and training.
• Continuing existing, successful development programs.
• Cultivating an institutional culture that encourages, values, and rewards ongoing professional development.
• Promoting an appreciation of lifelong learning, personal development, and educational and professional advancement for all employees.
• Embracing the diversity of our world by forging a supportive learning and working environment. 

Committee responsibilities are to

• Develop and maintain a website for professional development information and opportunities.
• Plan and implement the annual employee Professional Development Day program.
• Provide assistance to the President's Cabinet in planning and implementing the All College Day program for opening week.
• Plan and implement in-service professional development workshops and training opportunities for all employees.
• Coordinate publicity for all area's staff/professional development activities for all employees.
• Coordinate efforts to avoid unnecessary duplication of programs, sharing and extending College resources, and maximizing accessibility to employees.
• Research and provide links for professional development opportunities on and off campus.
• Review/recommend funding for individual professional development opportunities.
• Assess program results.
• Address concerns, issues and suggestions related to professional development.
• Solicit and evaluate feedback from each in-service professional development activity.
• Provide an annual report of professional development activities and effectiveness of the College's professional development program.