Rappahannock Community College (RCC) is one of twenty-three community colleges that make up the Virginia Community College System. It was established in 1971 as a two-year public institution. The college serves the residents of Essex, Gloucester, King and Queen, King George, King William, Lancaster, Mathews, Middlesex, New Kent, Northumberland, Richmond, and Westmoreland Counties, and is governed by policies set by the State Board for Community Colleges with support and advice from the RCC Board. Funding for the college derives primarily from student tuition, followed by state appropriations, grants, and local funds contributed from the twelve counties that make up the RCC service area.

Who We Are

RCC is a public institution of higher education in the Virginia Community College System. As a comprehensive community college, RCC provides quality, accessible, and affordable educational opportunities for the residents of Essex, Gloucester, King and Queen, King George, King William, Lancaster, Mathews, Middlesex, New Kent, Northumberland, Richmond, and Westmoreland Counties.

Our Mission

Rappahannock Community College’s mission is to promote the personal growth of its students and prepare them for success as learners, professionals, and citizens by providing quality educational experiences.

Our Values

We are committed to our students, community, and employees through:

Access:

• helping members of the college community (internal/external) to overcome their barriers to success
• providing convenient, affordable educational opportunities and services
• providing students a seamless transition from high school to the college, and on to other post-secondary educational opportunities and to the workplace
• offering education and training that meet the community’s workforce development needs
• providing employees opportunities for professional growth and development
• supporting the college community in the appropriate use of information technology

Excellence:

• providing a supportive, caring, student-centered environment
• promoting academic excellence
• providing excellence in instruction
• maintaining relevant programs and support services
• contributing to the social, cultural, and economic development of the community
• maintaining a work environment which encourages open communication, innovation, productivity, accountability, and personal commitment
• using current technologies that support educational and training objectives

Effectiveness:

• establishing and tracking expected student outcomes
• engaging in sound planning, management, and systematic evaluation for the improvement of programs and services
• ensuring fiscal responsibility and public accountability
• maintaining adequate, fair, and equitable benefits, policies and procedures
• acquiring and allocating resources to cultivate the college’s students, programs, services, and facilities
• using college resources efficiently and effectively
• keeping the college community aware of college activities, needs, and performance

In support of these commitments, RCC offers a variety of educational opportunities and services to meet needs in the lifelong process of personal and professional development including:

• programs for students who need to develop basic academic skills for successful post-secondary study;
• courses and programs which prepare individuals for employment, career updating, and job advancement;
• the first two years of study for those seeking transfer to a four-year college or university;
• public service activities, including workshops, seminars, forums, and cultural arts programs;
• comprehensive student development services which provide student support and assistance; and
• comprehensive learning resources.