Objective: Ideally, community colleges both democratize opportunity and develop in students the civic skills necessary to meaningfully participate in a democratic society. This national pilot study examines the individual and institutional factors associated with greater civic agency, capacity, behavior, and knowledge among students after at least…

This study explored whether community college websites are a useful medium for providing knowledge relevant to degree completion. Ten community students used one of three community college websites to answer 10 questions about occupational degree programs. A facilitator asked participants to think aloud while using the website to answer these…

Offers a review of the work of California's Commission for the Review of the Master Plan for Higher Education, focusing on the Commission's recommendations in the areas of: (1) ensuring both access to education and academic success; (2) college mission and functions; (3) faculty and administrators; (4) governance; and (5) finance. (DMM)

Describes ways in which the funding system of California's community colleges has become outdated. Suggests areas for future research and discussion and proposes a process for reforms. Uses characteristics and experiences of the California community college system as a means of emphasizing the need for financial change. (DMM)

Describes the debate over how and when the community college movement spread from the Midwest to California. Presents evidence that the University of Chicago's William Rainey Harper was working in 1900 to convince three California colleges to drop their upper division and become junior colleges. Considers the role of David Starr Jordan in the…

Contests the conclusions of Wattenbarger and Witt concerning the role of William Rainey Harper in the founding of the California community college movement. Argues that Harper's ideals differ sharply from the legislation proposed by Senator Anthony Caminetti to fund high-school-based junior colleges and the goals of Fresno Junior College. (MAB)

Questions whether William Rainey Harper was responsible for David Starr Jordan's and Benjamin Ida Wheeler's advocacy of the municipal junior college in California; whether Jordan and Wheeler introduced the idea to Senator Anthony Caminetti prior to his introduction of the bill permitting six-year high schools; and what constitutes sufficient…

Presents findings from a survey of 106 former California community college presidents regarding their preparation for postpresidential life, feelings toward their former college and its trustees, lifestyle differences, professional status, and activities. Offers recommendations for retired, current, and aspiring presidents. (DMM)