Considers the impact of state power and authority on community college governance. Traces the trend toward increased state influence over institutional decisions in California and Florida. Looks at implications for the future. (DMM)

Reviews ERIC literature on the development of participatory governance structures in community colleges that secure the participation of students, faculty, staff, and other campus constituencies and the growth of state authority at the expense of local autonomy. (DMM)

Traditionally California has relied on local boards to manage and control community colleges and maintain their responsiveness to local needs. This form of governance is threatened by the possibility of a dramatic shift in financial resources from the local to the state level. (LS)

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)

This collection of articles addresses major questions of community college governance and highlights some of the changes that have taken place in governance over the past decade. The issue contains: (1) "State Power in a New Era: Threats to Local Authority," by Dale Tillery and James L. Wattenbarger; (2) "Power on the Periphery: Faculty and…

The increasing dependency of community colleges on state funding has led to a parallel increase in state intrusion into institutional decision making. If trustees are to head off this intrusion, they must carefully develop sound institutional goals and priorities and must become active lobbyists on their behalf. (DC)

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 California's 10-year struggle over state defunding of non-credit, recreational and avocational courses. Explains the criteria used to develop a list of courses to be defunded. Considers effects on community college finances, image, governance, mission, and access of the $30 million reduction in state support. (DMM)