Discusses the origins of California's community colleges and some major developments in their mission and functions, such as transfer programs and open enrollment; organization and structure, including governance and administrative structures; faculty and professional qualifications; and funding, fee policies, and student financial-aid…

Discusses the history of Alaska's higher education system, including the founding of its community colleges. Describes the 1986-87 restructuring of the colleges following the oil crisis in 1986, which left Alaska with one official community college. Indicates that universities have broadened their role to include many college functions. (19…

Discusses the legal framework for Idaho's community colleges, focusing on the trustees' powers and responsibilities. Describes the programs offered by the colleges, including transfer, vocational, and community education programs. Presents issues facing Idaho's colleges, including locating funding, defining the role of the colleges, workforce…

Describes the development of Oregon's community colleges, which were strongly supported by their local communities. Discusses the major focus of each college, from transfer programs to distance education, and the commitment of Oregon's community colleges to educational reform, workforce preparation, and institutional effectiveness. Examines the…

Describes the history and development of Wyoming's seven community colleges, which are overseen and coordinated by the seven-member Community College Commission. Discusses the colleges' 1990 management audit by outside consultants, whose recommendations led to 1991's Post Secondary Education Omnibus Act. Presents the distinct characteristics of…

Discusses the history of Washington's community colleges, which developed slowly due to lack of support. Describes the 1961 legislation that dramatically increased their growth by lifting restrictions on the number of colleges. Discusses the colleges' current financial struggles, arguing that Washington's economic climate may seriously impact…

Describes the history and development of each of Montana's three community colleges, seven tribal colleges, and five vocational-technical institutes. Discusses issues facing Montana's postsecondary education institutions, including expanding educational opportunities; workforce development, articulation, and transfer; and restructuring of…

Describes the development of Utah's five public community colleges, which are governed by a single state board of regents. Discusses current issues including managing enrollment, ensuring educational access and quality, providing upper division access, increasing institutional cooperation, establishing new institutions, and implementing…

Describes the development of an organizational culture that helped create a climate for innovation and led to the emergence of Colorado's Community College and Occupational Education System. Argues that culture and leadership are interrelated. Discusses future prospects in telecommunications, continuing and vocational education, disabled student…

Describes the history, development, and characteristics of Arizona's public and private community colleges, noting that the former are overseen by the State Community College Board. Provides student demographics, and discusses the colleges' work in technology, telecommunications, distance learning, transfer programs, cooperation with businesses…

Describes a study which examined two-year public college students' satisfaction with career planning and job placement services. Findings include that women were more satisfied than men and that the Business Operations job cluster received the highest satisfaction rating. Also indicates that students were more satisfied with career planning than…

Discusses the growing importance of international education for job preparation. Describes activities planned or underway at Florence Darlington Technical College in South Carolina aimed at internationalizing the campus under four broad categories: resource development, awareness development and information dissemination, faculty and staff…

Presents findings from a study assessing the reactions of 34 community colleges to California Assembly Bill 1725 passed in 1988, which mandated shared governance for the state's 107 community colleges. Concludes that AB 1725 is working as it was intended in the majority of schools. Contains 69 references. (JDI)

Describes a study which investigated the grade point average declines (transfer shock) experienced by students who transferred from a community college to two four-year private liberal arts colleges in Pennsylvania. Indicates that the declines observed in this study are low compared to declines observed at public universities. Contains 2 data…

Investigates the effectiveness of developmental skills courses in terms of grade point average, credits earned, retention, goal attainment and degree earned. Suggests that developmental skills courses had no effect on student achievement in any of the measured areas. Contains 9 data tables and 17 references. (JDI)