"Building Institutional Capacity for Data-Informed Decision Making" is the third installment of the Cutting Edge series, which aims to help colleges engage faculty, scale successful interventions, and create a strong culture of evidence through use of data to strengthen their institutional change and student success efforts. Though the…

Involved alumni are alumni who will give, and then ask how they can do more. If a college knows how to cultivate and engage its alumni, it is well on the way to financial health and growth. Community colleges are particularly and favorably positioned to obtain support from their alumni, since alumni recognize the value they received as students,…

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…

In light of the underrepresentation of women in higher education administration, suggests ways for community colleges to provide an environment and support system to promote and guide the advancement of women. Describes policies and activities of Montgomery College dealing with administrator training, management development, sexism awareness, and…

Designed for institutional leaders facing fundamental questions of changes in mission, goals, external relations, and internal priorities, this collection offers an introduction to strategic planning and descriptions of planning processes at several community colleges. Section I includes the following essays: "What Is Strategic…

Capital campaign strategies that helped rally support for seven community colleges are described. An attractive college profile, enthusiastic volunteers, effective training, community contacts, and high internal morale helped create good donor support. (MLW)

The Yosemite Community College District's comprehensive planning process involves a year-round cycle of activities. The cycle begins in September after the budget for the current year has been approved, the prior year's activity has been closed out, and the primary planning document, "The Atlas," has been completed. The district…

ED QUEST (Quick Environmental Scanning Techniques) is a strategic planning process designed to identify emerging trends, issues, and events which portend threats or opportunities for colleges and universities, analyze their probable impact on the institution, and facilitate the development of appropriate institutional strategies. A workshop was…

In spring 1981, a need was identified for the improvement of the faculty evaluation system at Brunswick Junior College (BJC). A committee, formed to study methods of faculty evaluation, recommended an evaluation system based on Modified Management by Objectives (MMBO). Subsequent to approval by the college administration, the new system was…

Brief descriptions are provided of 54 community college programs identified as outstanding by the National Council of Instructional Administrators. Organized alphabetically by program title, the descriptions include the name of the college president, the name of a contact person, and the name, address, and telephone number of the college. The…

San Joaquin Delta Community College has created a graphic, electronic office environment called "Virtual Desk" to operate on employees' desktops. It is a front end to the computer network depicting a desk on which are mounted a calculator, spreadsheet, notepad, calendar, word processor, electronic mail, and file drawers and bookshelves.…

This sourcebook describes and analyzes contracted customized training for business and industry provided by community colleges. First, "Customized Job Training: Should Your Community College Be Involved?" by Robert J. Kopecek identifies issues to be considered in program decision making and suggests an organizational model for program delivery.…

The department of computer services at Miami-Dade Community College (Florida) limits its monthly newsletter to one page and follows specific guidelines about content and format. The publication is used for communication, public relations, and recognition. This streamlined approach allows for efficient and consistent communication. (MSE)

Describes the National Council for Resource Development's annual Executive Institute, a team-training weekend during which presidents learn from other presidents, trustees from other trustees, etc., the skills of fund raising. Explains the roles of development team members and the issues tackled during the institute. (DMM)

A description is provided of the rationale for, objectives of, and unique and innovative features of St. Petersburg (Florida) Junior College's (SPJC's) Interdisciplinary Studies Program (IDS). First, the paper discusses the national context of renewed attention to the liberal arts, the higher education milieu in Florida, and SPJC's general…