The Institutional Vision of Tribal Community Colleges.

This investigation provides a base-line measurement of the inspirational and pragmatic rhetoric in declarations of institutional vision at tribal community colleges. By comparing it to nontribal community colleges, this content analysis reveals the current state of utility of the mission and vision statements of tribal community colleges, their potential as guiding and governing documents, as well as their ability to communicate concrete student outcomes. Findings suggest that the language employed in these defining documents is purposeful but not nearly as functional, visionary, or outcome-oriented as that employed by other community colleges. Implications for assessment and accreditation are discussed.