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…

Reviews literature and statistics on the increasing incidence of underprepared students entering postsecondary education, highlighting the community colleges' role in responding to students' needs. Puts forth reasons for providing remedial education related to the magnitude of the problem, access for educationally disadvantaged, adult students,…

Reports on interviews conducted to assess the status of humanities instruction in North Carolina's community colleges. Includes Dallas Herring's reflections on the establishment and growth of the state's community college system. Summarizes interviews with central office representatives and two-year college managers concerning the mission and…

Offers background information about a report developed by a state-appointed committee concerning the mission, governance, and financing of the Maryland community colleges in light of current trends and future needs. Highlights major recommendations. (DMM)

Traces perceptions of the role of early two-year colleges, comparing the public's view of junior colleges as transfer institutions with professionals view of them as terminal institutions. Cites views of leaders of the junior college movement, faculty and staff attitudes, and popular aspirations. Updates the debate over two-year colleges' role.…

Reviews literature appearing since 1985 on changing patterns of community college transfer, the current status of community college articulation, and areas for improvement in the transfer/articulation process. Includes a 21-item bibliography. (DMM)

Identifies problems that will face community college leaders in the mid-1990s (e.g., social and economic stratification, poorly prepared students, and questions about institutional mission and role). Considers the consequences of efforts to implement a comprehensive mission. Speculates on the character of the new generation of colleges and their…

Traces the trend which shows occupational education replacing transfer education as the community college's major function in terms of credit enrollment, and discusses its implications for the labor market, societal views of education, and the future of community colleges. (AC)