The purpose of this study is to measure community and student perceptions regarding College of the Mainland (COM). A survey of the literature provides background on sociopolitical forces in the community, the distribution of power and influence in the community, the relationship of the community to the larger society, the relationship of the community to the two-year school, and COM's relationship to its community. A questionnaire was administered to two populations, one consisting of COM sophomores, and the other consisting of high school seniors in the COM district who intend to enroll at some institution of higher education, but not necessarily COM. The high school senior group was expected to reflect the perceptions of the community. Total usable responses from each group numbered 53. The perceptions measured were: (1) COM has a black enrollment which is greater than the community; (2) COM is an institution with a liberal philosophy and a faculty of almost universally liberal opinion; (3) COM is opposed to religion and possibly atheistic in its philosophy; (4) COM is primarily a trade school; (5) COM is excessively easy in its instructional programs thus making them of doubtful quality. The existence of all five perceptions were confirmed in both populations to varying degrees. No significant difference was found between populations. Recommendations for improving the college-community relationship are made. (AH)