From 1970 until 1974, the Seattle Community College District was directed by a four-member executive committee, rather than by one chief executive officer. The history of this period is recounted, and advantages and disadvantages of the management system are identified. In sum, the system is satisfactory only in the short-run. (NHM)

Describes the conflict between the pull toward greater centralization due to the increase in multi-institutional governance systems in community colleges, and the pull toward decentralization in order to make community services responsive to local needs. Presents a management model designed to resolve this conflict. (NHM)

Research shows that neither centralization nor decentralization of decision-making authority in multiunit community colleges is a primary determinant of organizational effectiveness; rather it is the degree of participation in decision-making by staff members at all hierarchical levels. (BB)

Describes the vocational education program evaluation model used in the Dallas County Community College District. Examines each phase (i.e., data collection, program analysis, and cross-comparisons of programs) of a process which concludes with a districtwide summative evaluation. Explains how the model can be used in single-campus colleges. (DMM)

Presents findings of a survey of counseling practices in a large, multi-campus community college system, where the role of counselors was unclear and generally undervalued and the lack of strong central office leadership and support resulted in chasms between instructors and counselors and poor service to students. (AYC)

This essay summarizes recent literature pertaining to community college governance. The roles of trustees, faculty, and students, prevalent forms of administrative organization, the systems approach to management and decision-making, the governance of multicampus districts, the influence of the state, the impact of collective bargaining, and legal…

Describes a series of projects conducted in the Dallas County Community College District at various stages of a major curriculum review process. Discusses guiding principles that emerged from the process, relating to institutional autonomy, faculty and staff commitment, community support, and high institutional priority for the effort. (AYC)

In spring 1972, Florida Junior College at Jacksonville replaced its broad, centralized vice-presidential organization with a more campus-oriented style of leadership. This article describes the new organizations for faculty, students, deans, and career employees at each campus, and details the methods of communication and interaction at campus and…

Describes the Los Rios Community College District's district-coordinated institutional research model. Considers the coordination of centralized and campus-based research, types of research conducted, quality control, the district research council, setting research agendas, program implementation and monitoring, information dissemination, and the…

States that the fundamental challenge to Arizona's Maricopa County Community College District is how to carry out an urban-based social agenda with scarce resources, unenthusiastic support from state-level policy shapers, and the district's own internal disagreement about mission and purpose. Discusses the programs developed by Maricopa to respond…

Describes the centralized research model used by Miami-Dade Community College. Explains that the district's central office assumes responsibility for conducting all phases of the institutional research program (e.g., determining the research agenda, carrying out projects, monitoring projects, and disseminating results). Highlights strengths and…

The concept of community services has become one of the newest and most exciting dimensions of the community college. However, the concept presents problems of definition, delineation, financing, management and intervention. The articles in this sourcebook discuss the definition and objectives of community services; ways of developing better…

Describes how the Houston Community College District used market concepts to increase enrollments and enhance service to the local business community. Reviews results of an employer survey and the use of occupational surveys in developing and implementing new marketing strategies. (AYC)

Asserts that the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) serves as a beacon for "majority minorities" who seek a better life through the pursuit of educational opportunities in a large metropolitan setting. Discusses challenges facing LACCD, which is trying to cope with changing social and economic needs. Contains 10 references.…

This collection of articles focuses on the current status and future of counseling in the community college. The volume contains the following chapters: (1) "Counseling for Today's Community College Students," by William A. Robbins, which focuses on the characteristics of developmental counseling and the crises it faces in community colleges; (2)…