Relative newcomers to higher education, community colleges need to assess the past and establish clear future goals. Existing assets need further development. Specific functions should be defined. Integration with the community and program articulation with high schools, vocational and technical schools should be pursued. But conflicts between…

Strong enrollments in career programs have led many to conclude that occupational training is, and should be, the premier function of a community college--a belief that is supported by the ways in which community colleges are funded. Though strong technical programs are an important part of what urban community colleges offer to their students,…

Describes the ways in which the particular duties and orientations of two- and four-year college faculty tend to remove faculty from the transfer process. Suggests the importance of an increased faculty role in the transfer process through such means as faculty advising of students and increased two- and four-year faculty interaction. (MAB)

Reviews research regarding the academic success and persistence of community college transfer students. Describes programs to improve articulation and transfer sponsored by the Ford and Mellon Foundations, and the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education. Considers advances in statewide planning, and suggests directions for improving the…

The concept of access is central to any discussion of issues confronting the community college. The search for creative and effective ways of pursuing access involves examining institutional practices and state policies to define access in a way that will satisfy the need for acceptable standards and quality. Issues to be addressed in searching…

This case study, part of the State Structures for the Governance of Higher Education study, focuses on governance and related issues in Illinois' higher education system. The study's overall purpose was to examine differences among states in their governance structures, and to determine if differences in performance were related to governing…

Factors that affect the attainment of a bachelor's degree by urban students are outlined. The demographic profile of American school children makes it clear that problems for urban colleges and universities will grow in the years ahead. There is a correlation between income and education achievement; low income students do not achieve, persist, or…

Factors that affect the attainment of the baccalaureate degree by urban students are addressed. Attention is directed to: characteristics and aspirations of urban students attending public institutions in urban areas, problems and roles of urban community colleges and universities, performance of urban students, transfer from two- to four-year…

Drawing from a study of the progress of minority students to the baccalaureate degree, this report raises questions on how institutions and states can intervene to speed the process of reducing inequities that are clearly the product of past differences in minority access to education and jobs, and identifies practices of particular promise.…

This case study, part of the State Structures for the Governance of Higher Education study, focuses on governance and related issues in California's higher education system. The study's overall purpose was to examine differences among ustates in their governance structures, and to determine if differences in performance were related to governing…