Using data from more than 2,000 community college science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) majors in the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study, this research investigates how ethnicity, gender, non-traditional student risk factors, academic preparation, socio-economic status, and English-as-second-language/citizenship status…

This article examines the case of how the City University of New York (CUNY)--its central administrative offices and two of its community colleges--has addressed the issue of college access for undocumented immigrants in its implementation of New York's college in-state resident tuition (ISRT) policy for this population. It highlights the…

American policy makers, educators, and others are concerned that predicted workforce shortages in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields will have a catastrophic impact on the economy. This article takes a realistic look at the "STEM problem," identifying how community colleges can be a part of the solution. We provide…

This article--the first in the Council for the Study of Community Colleges (CSCC) Review Essays Series--reviews the literature concerning education-abroad opportunities for community college students. The article examines the benefits accrued to students through overseas study, briefly notes the history of education-abroad programs, and summarizes…

Interviews with 17 African American students and 19 White students were employed to examine interracial relations at a predominantly White community college campus. Seen through the lens of Granovetter's strength of ties theory, the interview findings revealed that strong intraracial ties and the absence of weak interracial ties inhibited…

Arthur M. Cohen has spoken to community college leaders on a diverse array of issues for many years. This article focuses on his contributions to this leadership in three major areas: (a) providing a vision of community colleges as collegiate institutions, (b) offering valuable and thought-provoking insight into the current context for community…

The level of success that has sustained community colleges in the past will not suffice for the future. Shifting environments, resources, competitors, accountability, and technology have changed the measures of organizational performance. This article provides a new framework and defines a new set of critical measures that will move community…

Contends that executive-level administrators must provide strategic leadership of the institutional mission if their community colleges are to adapt and respond to learner needs. Reports that content analyses of mission statements from 102 colleges revealed seven salient themes: access, workforce and economic development, comprehensive…

The different roles that community colleges play in baccalaureate attainment are defined. Data is presented on 577 baccalaureate graduates who used credits earned at a community college toward their four-year degree. The findings support the contention that aggregate data masks community college contributions to baccalaureate education. Contains…

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 form the basis for this discussion of students with disabilities and the role played by community college faculty in promoting their success. Practices that ensure receptive classroom environments are defined with examples. Contains 21 references. (TGO)

Assesses the concept of community at institutions of higher education. Compares community college, private college, and university faculty responses to a questionnaire focusing on six broad ideals that define community: disciplined, purposeful, caring, open, celebrative, and just. Concludes that faculty strongly perceive elements of community,…

Reviews the current community college literature by author group, focusing on the writings of faculty, researchers, state agencies, national associations, university professors, and journalists. Examines the ability of the literature to critically evaluate the meaning and purpose of the community college as a social institution. Calls for a more…

Reviews current literature related to self-directed learning, highlighting six competencies important for its successful implementation. Reviews critiques of self-directed learning and describes hurdles to implementation at community colleges related to quality control, teachers' roles, and institutional image. Provides suggestions for overcoming…

Reports results from a study of service-learning activities at North Carolina community colleges. Indicates that community colleges supported similar types of activities as the state's universities, but did so at much lower levels. Provides case studies of the two community colleges that ranked the highest in service-learning support. The survey…

Although general education is cited as a major thrust of community colleges, this function is carried out more in word than in deed. The role of general education should be reexamined. Perhaps it is now necessary to establish a new direction for general education, based on the relevant and vital needs of communities. (Author/JDS)