Full-time and part-time psychology faculty at 100 publicly-supported community colleges in 4 midwestern states were surveyed to determine their use of computer-assisted instruction (CAI). Attitudes about CAI and faculty access and availability of computers for classroom and personal use were also determined. Of the respondents, 97% had computers…

Identifies the elements of a comprehensive community college terrorism preparedness program and outlines the rationale for a national network of community college programs devoted to homeland security. Argues that community colleges are an ideal venue for reaching the general public, providing information about disasters, and developing service…

Discusses ways in which community colleges are lending their expertise and experience to help make the nation safer after the September 11th attacks. Reports that community colleges are instituting public safety and cybersecurity measures on their campuses and teaching others to do the same. Adds that community colleges are also training public…

Describes the 2002 summer institute of the Advanced Technology Environmental Education Center (ATEEC), a National Science Foundation ATE Center located at the Iowa Community College District. Discusses the institute's focus on Bioterrorism and Emerging Infectious Diseases, stressing that community colleges must update their curricula to ensure…

Describes Bio-Link, the Advanced Technological Education (ATE) Center for Biotechnology established with funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF). Reports that Bio-Link, headquartered at City College of San Francisco, has created a national network and resource base for community colleges, industry, and others interested in biotechnology…

Outlines the U.S. Critical Infrastructure Protection Board's purpose, budget, principles, and priorities. Describes the board's role in coordinating all federal activities related to protection of information systems and networks supporting critical infrastructures. Also discusses its responsibility in creating a policy and road map for government…

Describes recent federal legislation (H.R. 3394) that charges the National Science Foundation with offering more grants to colleges and universities for degree programs in computer and network security, and to establish trainee programs for graduate students who pursue doctoral degrees in computer and network security. Discusses aspects of…

Suggests that it is necessary to protect the privacy of government procedures that could compromise security, yet there is also a need to revise and fine-tune legislation that expands government authority. Asserts that all major corrections in the delicate balance between public safety and civil rights typically require corrections themselves. (NB)

Explains the technology of biometrics, the science of identifying a person by unique physical characteristics, and its application in the fight against terrorism. Argues that biometrics, such as hand readers, fingerprint readers, and eye scans, are reliable and efficient. Also describes proximity cards, digital tracking systems, and smart cards.…

Argues that the post-September 11, 2001 economy has created a market with contradictory forces--the economy is decelerating at the same time consumer demands are accelerating. States that higher education is heavily impacted by these forces, and that community colleges must organize around contradiction, broaden the conception of resources, and…

Discusses a 50-state survey by the National Council for Continuing Education regarding the issue of funding for noncredit courses in community colleges. Reports that 17 states include noncredit courses for funding on an FTE basis, and that no states fund hobby, avocational, or recreation non-credit classes. Argues that lifelong learning is a…

Argues that quality of life is a vital measure when counseling students to determine their best educational pathways to success. Explains that a student's current life status and his/her projected future are useful tools for making recommendations for development and for instilling motivation. Urges college personnel to actively engage students in…

Outlines the ways in which community colleges have become a resource for community needs. Describes the community services movement in 1968 and several of its administrative goals, including flexibility, creative financing, working with the community, networking, and student services. Presents responses to a survey of 15 administrators regarding…

Describes an agreement between the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Miami-Dade Community College (MDCC) (Florida) to open a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site on MDCC's campus. States that VITA, staffed by students in MDCC's tax courses, successfully helped non-English-speaking taxpayers, the elderly, and those who could not afford to…

Suggests that, due to escalating violence in contemporary society, community colleges should offer certificate or degree programs in conflict resolution. Describes a conflict resolution communication program, which teaches communication skills, mediation processes, and coping strategies to prospective mediators. (NB)