The term "institutional effectiveness" was developed in response to accreditation, and this emphasizes the large extent to which accreditation drives institutional effectiveness efforts on community college campuses. There are two general types of accreditation. "Institutional accreditation" is the process by which institutions of higher education…

Discusses accreditation policy differences between the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation and the American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) regarding quality of business education and the means for achieving quality. Criticizes AACSB's prescriptive application of their prerogatives. Urges resolution of the current impasse to…

Describes the ways regional/institutional and programmatic/specialized accreditation influence the community college curriculum. Considers effects on mission and goals, program review, general education and specialty requirements, remediation, nontraditional programs, contract education, and outcomes assessment. (DMM)

As examples of the trend towards decision-making processes resting on the interaction of various legitimate public sector interests, the author considers outside forces producing operational strictures within the system, including executive orders, lapsing and allotment procedures, accounting requirements, information demands, legal opinions,…

Discusses the role of state agencies in assisting community colleges to meet declining resources. Four priority areas, outside the routine administrative functions, are outlined: (1) information and accountability, (2) communication and advocacy, (3) funding, and (4) change agent responsibilities. (MB)

Increasing state involvement in the decision-making processes of Connecticut community colleges limits the autonomy local college administrations need to achieve objectives and respond to local needs. Four areas of operation particularly affected by this trend are expenditure control, personnel, data processing, and facilities development. (LS)

Control is a balance between decision-making at the state and institutional levels. In Mississippi, locally controlled two-year institutions with state coordination from an effective community college system, which will meet future needs if imaginative and diverse local participation in statewide concerns continues. (LS)

Discusses the relevance of general education to the associate degree and the shortfalls of current accreditation methods in properly evaluating the success of such programs. Suggests that accreditation agencies may play a role as a change agent in transfer, faculty credentials, and the integration of general education into career curricula. (MAB)

Describes the history of regional accreditation, examining six regional associations. Calls for a more consistent and organic approach to two-year college evaluation by the six agencies. Suggests that two-year colleges be evaluated as institutions of higher education but also as locally based institutions with distinctive delivery modes and…

Discusses the benefits and limitations of accrediting association membership and the impact of the 1992 Reauthorization of Higher Education Amendments on community colleges. Describes the colleges' roles in the accreditation movement and their responsibilities in maintaining quality, learning resources, faculty balance, and academic freedom in the…

In theory, Illinois community colleges are governed and controlled by local boards; in reality, much of this control has shifted to state agencies such as the Illinois Community College Board and the Illinois Board of Higher Education. Specific areas affected by this shift are budget, courses and curriculum, leases, and renovations. (LS)

Considers those factors which impinge on local control in the Florida community college system, as well as existing opportunities for local input. Points to possible future effects of proposed legislation to create a new State Community Colleges Coordinating Board. (LS)

Describes a study that analyzed the distance-learning policies and guidelines for six regional accrediting agencies. Found that most agencies are studying how to address distance learning. Argues for the elimination of accreditation differences between on-campus and distance learning in community colleges. (10 citations) (JDI)

Examines the fit between college outcomes assessment designed to assess specific qualitative outcomes and community colleges' diverse clientele, pointing to a disjuncture of methods and motives. Foresees the possibility of two-year colleges' changing their structure, organization, and academic expectations in response. (30 references) (MAB)