Reviews the history of Massachusetts' 15 community colleges, from the first initiative in 1958 through the present. Outlines the colleges' purposes, responsibilities, and actions, and describes their finances, accountability, and governance. Discusses labor force development for high technology occupations, asserting that the colleges' training…

Addresses the historical origins of the State University of New York and its system of community colleges, particularly its contemporary structure and nature in the areas of funding, governance, faculty, students, and programs. Discusses current issues such as (1) statewide budget problems; (2) the underprepared student; (3) distance learning; and…

Discusses changes occurring in New Jersey's 19 community colleges since the State Board of Higher Education was abolished in 1994. At campus level, colleges have found less state regulation and much more autonomy, enabling them to respond more quickly and effectively to local needs; capital and state funding have also increased. Long-term success…

Reviews the history of Pennsylvania's higher education system since 1755. States that the Community College Act of 1963 imposed a funding system that has proved both inadequate and difficult to change and has discouraged the formation of new colleges. Discusses the current state of community college sponsorship, enrollment, funding, and outcomes,…

Describes the history, mission, financing, and enrollment of the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI). Presents CCRI's goals: (1) expand the use of technology; (2) be more responsive to the business community and assist in strengthening the economy of the state; (3) become more student-centered; and (4) become a first-stop option for high…

Outlines the Community College of Vermont's (CCV) mission as dedicating itself to accessibility, flexibility, and affordability through its decentralized organization. Describes CCV's "virtual campus," an integrated voice/data wide-area network that fosters schoolwide communication. Notes that transfer agreements with four-year institutions and…

Describes the 12 Community-Technical Colleges of Connecticut, their governance and finances, and their mission to make educational excellence and the opportunity for lifelong learning affordable and accessible to all Connecticut citizens. States that the system supports the economic growth of the state and its citizens through programs that supply…

Outlines the development of the New Hampshire Community Technical College System (NHCTCS), including its transfer program, noncredit continuing-education courses, and community services. States that under the current proactive leadership, NHCTCS is poised to expand and intensify its mission to provide economic and community development for all New…

Presents an interview with Luba Chiliwniak on the significance of the gender gap for women in higher education. Offers an interview with Gregory Bernhardt as a "flip side" to the gap as it relates to men. Contains 14 references. (VWC)

Describes a 20-year study that queried more than 1,500 community-college faculty members on what motivated student learning. Presents the resulting six motivators: (1) teaching skill; (2) organizational structure; (3) teacher-student rapport; (4) course difficulty; (5) grading and feedback; and (6) teacher's impact on students. Lists demotivators…

Presents the experience of an English instructor who worked with members of the Physics Department to revise a technical physics class. Discusses the impact of learning communities at Henry Ford Community College (Michigan) on faculty development, student performance, and institutional culture. (VWC)

Presents an excerpt from the author's address to Schoolcraft College (Michigan). Speaks about the importance of guiding students and ourselves to examine ethical choices. Asserts that personal core values--such as truth, fairness, love, responsibility, and respect for diversity--should be nurtured and that they help determine whether a legally…

Describes a survey administered to 1,341 continuing-education students at Schoolcraft College (Michigan) to determine students' perceptions of the college and to collect more information about the college's customers. States that the Continuing Education Services Department will use this information to further enhance an existing marketing plan…

Contends that as the movement from teaching to learning expands, the role of community-college faculty changes. Asserts that a clearly defined role for faculty may help ease this transition. Reviews learning-paradigm and learning-college literature to develop an inventory that profiles faculty members and illuminates their places in learning…

Surveys 16 tribal community-college presidents to gauge their perceptions of the impact of Ernest L. Boyer's 1989 Special Report on Native America's tribal community colleges. Asserts that veteran presidents need to mentor their new colleagues regarding this important document, and that the presidents should reassess Boyer's recommendations and…