Relative newcomers to higher education, community colleges need to assess the past and establish clear future goals. Existing assets need further development. Specific functions should be defined. Integration with the community and program articulation with high schools, vocational and technical schools should be pursued. But conflicts between…

Focuses on the changes caused in community colleges by open access policies and the resultant influx of underprepared students. Recommends that community colleges accept a decline in student enrollment in exchange for improvement in student achievement. (DMM)

Reviews concepts of effectiveness appearing in the literature as a context for discussion of changes necessary as community colleges move from concern with enrollments to outcomes. Defines alternatives open to colleges in terms of organizational culture. Identifies five strategies used by colleges in pursuit of increased effectiveness. (DMM)