California educational legislation enacted in July 1990, ended state issuance of community college credentials. Faculty in the state's community colleges now assume significant responsibility for evaluating the qualifications of prospective teaching personnel. Within the next 10 years, 50% of current community college faculty will retire and growth will create the need for more teachers. In order to select the most qualified faculty, the following qualities of effective faculty should be considered: (1) discipline preparation, including knowledge of the contributions of women and ethnic minorities, the ability to use a variety of teaching methodologies to respond to different student learning styles, the ability of faculty providing professional support services to provide them in ways sensitive to a diverse student body, and a commitment to maintain discipline currency; (2) communication and other interpersonal skills that meet the needs of a culturally diverse faculty and student body; (3) sensitivity to, and knowledge of, a diverse student body and its needs, demonstrated by such activities as the completion of multi-cultural coursework or study abroad; (4) creativity and innovation; (5) leadership potential, including an understanding of shared governance and the community college curriculum; (6) service in the community; and (7) sensitivity to the role of faculty in fostering a democratic society. Specific suggestions for the faculty hiring committee for each quality are included. (PAA)