Mission and Goals

MISSION STATEMENT:

The Legal Studies Department, located at the Phoenix College Downtown campus, is dedicated to providing stimulating, relevant learning opportunities, and current career and articulation information for students interested in the diverse family of law-related occupations, through the collaborative efforts of all members of the Department.

GOALS:

As an integrated Department, we will work with our students, the College and the wider community to provide an environment that nurtures educational excellence, so as to most effectively promote:

1. Success for our Students
   1. We will enhance the employability of our students by providing them with the technology skills and other practical skills sought by employers in the community.
   2. We will work to retain and support diverse students who reflect our community.
   3. We will develop the critical thinking and written communication skills of our students.
   4. We will develop the oral communication and teamwork skills of our students.
2. Ongoing Program and Curriculum Development
   1. We will continually revise our curriculum to incorporate new developments affecting paralegal careers.
   2. We will provide alternative modalities for the effective delivery of paralegal education and training.
   3. We will provide opportunities for students to learn from both practicing attorneys and professional paralegals.
   4. We will prepare students for successful transfer pathways with four-year universities.
3. Professional Development of Faculty and Staff
   1. We will develop and maintain relationships with our partners in the legal community that strengthen the education provided to our students.
   2. We will provide opportunities to improve the technology skills of faculty and staff.
   3. We will integrate the efforts and contributions of both full-time and adjunct faculty, recognizing the strengths of all as central to the Department's educational mission.
   4. We will support faculty and staff in training initiatives that contribute to the betterment of the Department.