Campus Center Building

President's Office

Foothill College Mission &  Values

Our Mission Statement

Embracing inclusivity and building strong communities, Foothill College serves diverse learners and equips its students with critical thinking skills to address complex societal challenges, to thrive in the global workforce, and to engage in a life of inquiry.

Approved by the Mission Informed Planning Council, Nov. 17, 2023; Approved by the Board of Trustees, Dec. 11, 2023

Our Vision

Foothill College is the institution of choice in Silicon Valley for catalyzing personal, economic, and social change.

Adopted by Mission Informed Planning Council, June 21, 2024

Our Values

  • Integrity & Honesty
  • Transparency & Openness
  • Innovation & Curiosity
  • Equity-mindedness & Inclusion
  • Community & Collaboration
  • Love & Compassion
Adopted by Mission Informed Planning Council, March 21, 2025

Read more about the coupling and clusters of these values and the environment they are meant to foster at Foothill College.

Integrity & Honesty

Integrity and honesty are foundational to building trust and respect within any organization. This value cluster fosters:

  • Trust: Establishing reliable relationships among individuals.
  • Respect: Valuing diverse perspectives and contributions.
  • Reflective Practices: Encouraging self-assessment and growth.
  • Authenticity: Being true to oneself and others.
  • Courage: The ability to speak up and act ethically

Transparency & Openness

Transparency and openness are crucial for sound decision-making and effective communication. This cluster supports:

  • Sound Decision-Making: Making informed choices based on accurate information.
  • Strong Communication: Ensuring clear and honest dialogue.
  • Accuracy: Commitment to truthfulness in all dealings.
  • Accountability: Taking responsibility for actions and outcomes.

Innovation & Curiosity

Innovation and curiosity drive creativity and engagement, essential for growth and retention. This value cluster fosters:

  • Creativity: Encouraging new ideas and approaches.
  • Engagement: Actively involving individuals in the learning process.
  • Growth: Fostering personal and professional development.
  • Retention: Keeping talent through a stimulating environment.
  • Deep Learning: Promoting thorough understanding and mastery of concepts.

Equity-mindedness & Inclusion

Equity-mindedness and inclusion ensure access and opportunity for all. These values support:

  • Access: Providing equal opportunities for participation.
  • Opportunity: Creating pathways for success for everyone.
  • Social Justice: Advocating for a just society by challenging injustice and valuing diversity.
  • Social Mobility: Providing opportunity so people may thrive in the Bay Area.
  • Cultural Competency: Understanding and respecting positionality.

Community & Collaboration

Community and collaboration foster a sense of belonging and connection among individuals. This cluster fosters:

  • Belonging: Creating an environment where everyone feels accepted.
  • Connection: Building relationships that support collaboration.
  • Support: Offering assistance and encouragement to one another.
  • Celebration: Recognizing achievements and milestones together.
  • Alignment: Walking together in a shared purpose.

Love & Compassion

The value of love and compassion emphasizes a deep systemic culture of care. This cluster supports:

  • A “Deep Systemic Culture of Care”: Cultivating an environment where individuals feel seen and heard and brought into focus.
  • Feeling Valued: Ensuring everyone knows their worth.
  • Transformation: Supporting personal and collective growth.
  • Ability to Rebound: Encouraging resilience in the face of challenges.
  • Restorative Work: Focusing on healing and rebuilding relationships.

Our Purpose

To provide access to educational opportunity for all with innovation and distinction.

Foothill College Offers:

  • an associate in arts or associate in science degree, or specialty certificate;
  • preparation for transfer to another college, university or post secondary institution;
  • career education, training, and services;
  • basic skills, English as a Second Language (ESL), leadership skills and student development; and
  • student support services to promote student success.

Foothill College's success is measured by the following quality indicators:

  • Access: Educational Opportunity for All
  • Student Success: Completion of Student Goals
  • Pedagogy, Scholarship, and Support of Learning
  • Climate for Learning
  • Fiscal and Enrollment Stability
  • Reputation: Innovation and Distinctiveness

Governance at Foothill

President Kristina Whalen with 5 students

Questions?
Please Contact Us!

Dr. Kristina Whalen, President

650.949.7200


whalenkristina@fhda.edu


Administration Building 1900

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