Planning for the Future: The Critical Need for Updated Facilities at Mt. Hood Community College

Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) has been a source of educational opportunity and community engagement in the region since it was established in 1966. As the demands on schools evolve, so too must the facilities that support them. With aging infrastructure and changing technological needs, MHCC is at a point where investing in updated facilities will greatly benefit students, faculty, and the broader community. In hopes of addressing these needs, the college plans to place a bond measure on the May 2025 ballot.

Many of MHCC's buildings and classrooms were constructed decades ago, and while they have served the community well, they no longer meet the demands of modern education. Outdated facilities can hinder learning, limit access to new technology, and prevent students from reaching their goals. To continue providing high-quality education, MHCC needs to update its campus infrastructure.

With a proposed bond amount of $131 million, many community members are eager to know how the college would use those funds. To answer that question, MHCC has created a facilities master plan to assess academic needs and facility use. This plan was formed based on information gathered through focus groups led for different areas of the college including instruction, student success, safety and security, and campus technology.

The biggest takeaway from these focus groups was that updating MHCC's facilities will create an enhanced learning environment that fosters innovation. Modern classrooms equipped with the latest technology can provide students with the skills needed in today's workforce. New science labs, updated computer labs, and improved accessibility features will enable MHCC to offer a more inclusive learning experience. As part of this, MHCC plans to move the nursing program to the Gresham Campus and establish a Center for Health Professions. MHCC also hopes to secure funding to improve campus technology and Wi-Fi as well as add spaces to the library for small group instruction.

"The facilities at MHCC are critical to supporting our mission of providing accessible and affordable education," Mt. Hood Community College President Dr. Lisa Skari said. "By investing in our infrastructure, we are investing in the future success of our students and our community."

To further enhance student life and collaboration on campus, the college would update the library to provide more space for small group instruction, make room for informal student learning areas, and separate active and quiet spaces. In a similar vein, MHCC would provide more space for student clubs and organizations to meet to foster a stronger sense of connection and community on campus.

Campus safety was another common concern discussed throughout the focus groups. As MHCC returns to regular campus life following the pandemic, maintaining extended hours of operation puts stress on the physical campus systems as well as its digital operations. By improving building access control, indoor and outdoor lighting, door locking systems, and mass notification systems, MHCC can ensure a safer place for its students and employees.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) were also discussed by the focus groups. To improve access to the campus, MHCC plans to add more elevators and replace outdated ones, create new single-person bathrooms and lactation rooms, as well as make needed updates to athletic areas including the locker rooms and softball field.

Beyond the immediate benefits to students, updating MHCC's facilities will have a ripple effect throughout the community. Improved educational resources attract businesses and industries seeking a well-educated workforce, contributing to economic growth in the region. Additionally, an updated campus can serve as a hub for community events, workshops, and continuing education programs, further solidifying MHCC's role as a community leader.

"MHCC's facilities play a vital role in our ability to serve the community effectively," Associate Vice President of Facilities, Public Safety, Risk Management, and Environmental Health and Safety Charles George said. "Upgrading our infrastructure not only supports student achievement but also enhances our capacity to engage with and support the broader community."

Investing in MHCC's facilities is an investment in the community's future. By coming together to support MHCC, we can ensure that it remains a place of opportunity and innovation for generations to come. Now is the time to act and ensure that the facilities at MHCC match the excellence of its educational programs.

For more information on how you can support MHCC's facility updates, please visit MHCC's bond website. If you want to give input on the bond or reach out to see how you can help support MHCC please email [email protected].