ERIC Number: ED321801
Record Type: RIE
Publication Date: 1990
Pages: 9
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Chairpersons as Promoters of Community Service.
Kaikai, Septimus M.; Kaikai, Regina E.
Discussions about the social responsibility of businesses have led to questions about the social responsibility of academic institutions. As governmental support of community activities appears to be lessening, activities by educational institutions in support of local communities becomes more essential. New developments in the linkage between school and community have required departmental and divisional chairpersons to take the proactive step of promoting community service. At Catonsville Community College (CCC), one of the most visible community programs is the Volunteers in Tax Assistance (VITA) program, in which accounting students and the accounting faculty give assistance to elderly, low-income, and handicapped citizens in preparing their tax returns. The VITA program allows CCC students and faculty to reach out into the community to help residents in an area of great need. And while the college is helping those who need assistance, the mission and faculty of the college become better known to the community. Another community outreach program at CCC is the Volunteers in Legal Assistance (VILA) program. Similar to the VITA program, the VILA program involves law faculty in diagnosing legal problems for community residents and referring such individuals to competent legal professionals who can provide the assistance needed. A third program, VIFA (Volunteers in Financial Assistance), provides referral service to community members who need financial advice. The role of the departmental or division chairperson in promoting the myriad of services to the community is to create an environment that supports creativity and community involvement. Chairs should recognize faculty who participate by nominating them for service awards and by sponsoring them for attendance at conferences and workshops. As colleges meet more or their community responsibilities, the community expands its own interest in their programs and in using their services. (JMC)
Descriptors: Administrator Role, College Role, Community Colleges, Community Influence, Community Programs, Department Heads, Financial Services, Legal Aid, Program Descriptions, School Community Relationship, School Involvement, Social Responsibility, Student Volunteers, Two Year Colleges, Volunteers
Publication Type: Reports - Descriptive; Guides - Non-Classroom
Education Level: N/A
Audience: Administrators; Practitioners
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: Catonsville Community Coll., MD.
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A