Dwindling resources, the challenges of providing postsecondary remedial education, and an environment that emphasizes outcomes assessment are realities that confront the community college department chair. The role of the department chair is particularly challenging in the community college context due to accountability pressures, fiscal…

Enrollments are up across the board--a good sign for any college, particularly one that's only recently opened its doors--but enthusiasm is tempered by the reality of an impending budget crisis. Like most colleges, the situation is compounded by political pressure to increase the nation's graduation rate. Not that graduating students hasn't always…

Reviews the effects of Proposition 13 on staffing and programs in California's community colleges. Describes a long-term finance plan that recommends: (1) no major changes in mission, goals, or priorities; (2) a marginal cost concept of support; (3) maintaining similar support patterns; and (4) overhauling the accountability system. (AYC)

Discusses the need for educators to respond positively to changing enrollments and financial conditions by demonstrating fiscal responsibility, planning and developing relevant academic programs, and understanding the types of students being served. Attitudinal and managerial factors in the achievement of these goals are explored. (JP)

Examines the literature on current trends in student development, focusing on the framework within which student personnel professionals operate; service to new groups of community college students; the effects of failing public financial support and increased reliance on industrial support; and the growing emphasis on assessment and…

In August 1985, the Commission on California State Government Organization and Economy initiated a study of California's community college system to assess the adequacy of financial accountability in the system. Two hearings, interviews, and analyses of extensive data, yielded the following findings: (1) 25% of the community college districts had…

Explores problems faced by the community junior college, including inflation, rising enrollments, expanding services, and open admissions; transfer policies from secondary and to university levels; faculty qualifications; management and accountability. Major trends are increased nontraditional students, alternate educational forms, decreased…

This document discusses the principles that guide the development of the contingent funding methods and the implementation criteria for the Partnership for Excellence Program, as well as significant issues and questions for the system to resolve. The first principle states that the level and pace of progress toward the Partnership goals are not…

Drawing on demographic data, a variety of sources and abstracted documentation, as well as the work of national scanning panels, this report briefly reviews the following 12 issues facing community colleges: (1) the conflict between the broad requirements of state and federal educational legislation, and the increasingly unique demands placed on…

Community colleges are being challenged to plan ahead, and to be aware of and to anticipate the pressures of declining resources, changing student profiles and interests, and more competition for students and funds. In response to changing student characteristics, colleges must begin careful curriculum planning to provide students with transfer,…

Major issues that will affect Texas higher education in the next decade are addressed. Data and information about the higher education system are presented, and an attempt is made to determine the impact of trends and issues upon colleges and universities. Concepts and perspectives on the appropriate response by higher education and planning…