Financial aid promotes and supports students' access to and success in higher education. This is especially true at community colleges. Whether students are seeking job training, a certificate or an associate degree, many rely on consistent and meaningful sources of financial support to advance their educational aspirations. Without these…

Despite the growing demand and availability of non-degree workforce training, outcomes for these programs are mixed. For some, non-degree programs are a faster, more affordable pathway to a good job, and, more importantly, a career that offers economic security--they represent the future of education. But for others, non-degree programs are a…

Despite the growing demand and availability of non-degree workforce training, outcomes for these programs are mixed. For some, non-degree programs are a faster, more affordable pathway to a good job, and, more importantly, a career that offers economic security--they represent the future of education. But for others, non-degree programs are a…

Despite the growing demand and availability of non-degree workforce training, outcomes for these programs are mixed. For some, non-degree programs are a faster, more affordable pathway to a good job, and, more importantly, a career that offers economic security--they represent the future of education. But for others, non-degree programs are a…

The Research and Planning Group for California Community Colleges (RP Group) launched Leading from the Middle (LFM) Academy in 2013 as a professional development experience for community college educators--faculty, administrators, and staff--who have formal or informal leadership responsibilities. Over the first three years, close to 150…

The Research and Planning Group for California Community Colleges (RP Group) launched Leading from the Middle (LFM) Academy in 2013 as a professional development experience for community college educators--faculty, administrators, and staff--who have formal or informal leadership responsibilities. Based on a commitment to learning from experience,…

Although community colleges have long been the access point to higher education for low-income students and students of color, there is much work still to be done if the institutions are to fulfill their democratic promise. In this article, the authors draw upon a growing body of work described as the new equity agenda (Arbona and Nora, 2007;…

Previous research has shown that there are not distinct career lines leading to the chief academic officer (CAO) position in community colleges.Rather, it appears that a variety of skills and experiences contribute to advancement to this position. This paper examines the perceptions of women CAOs as to the importance of professional development…

When a grants development office is perceived as an integral component of a community college, it can effectively raise significant amounts of public and private funding to advance the institutional mission, vision, and strategic plan. Here, the author discusses the organizational commitment and strategic structures necessary to effectively…

Examines the origins and implications of the false dichotomy between teaching and research. Finds the roots of the dichotomy in public schools. Addresses problems caused by failure to recognize the links between teaching and research, including cultural dissonance, faculty isolation from their discipline, and benefits of faculty research. (DMM)

Discusses the personal and professional role of the president in promoting scholarship on campus. Considers the distinction between scholarship and research, the current status of faculty scholarship, the need to strengthen the link between teaching and scholarship, and the development of faculty scholarship programs. (DMM)

Examines the role played by experience in the preparation of community college leaders, focusing on a management development program at the Dallas Community College District. Describes important learning experiences for emerging leaders, and experiential principles that culminate in the cultivation of leadership skills. Discusses mentoring…

Reviews the major themes that need to be addressed in nurturing scholarship at the community college (i.e., a broad definition of scholarship; faculty ties to the disciplines; leaders as scholars; professionalization of the college culture; and the development of a community of scholars). (DMM)

A study was conducted to determine the important components of a comprehensive staff development program. To guide the investigation, a paradigm was constructed which identified the content areas of staff development as personal/professional, program/instructional, and organizational development; and which specified a statement of purpose or…

Supports a broad definition of scholarship and suggests ways leaders can promote a sense of professionalism built around scholarly work. Considers the culture of the community college, the task of changing attitudes and campus climates, reward systems, examples of scholarly activities, and the role of the academic dean. (DMM)