A brief summary is presented of the administrative, instructional, and financial characteristics of Washington State's community colleges for fiscal year 1979. The report first discusses the major accomplishments achieved during this period, including the implementation of a course-by-newspaper and the completion of college-by-college agreements governing the transfer of community college students to the University of Washington. Enrollment data for Fall 1978 and Fall 1979 are then summarized, focusing on female and veteran enrollments and on the ethnic background and age of students. Trends cited for this period include a decrease in the average credit hour load per student and an increase in the number of students seeking supplementary, rather than preparatory, occupational education. The report then reveals that the community colleges employed 3,336 full-time professional staff and administrators, 5,172 part-time faculty, 112 paraprofessional, and 2,532 classified staff during 1978-79. Next, an analysis is presented of the enrollment, retention, and academic success of students in vocational, transfer, and high school equivalency programs. Finally, the report outlines data concerning capital improvements, summarizing sources of funds and expenditures for instruction; community, support, and student services; libraries; institutional support; plant operation; research; and government programs. (JP)