Presents a case study of two urban community college students from different cultural backgrounds who came to blows during their hydraulics laboratory because of cultural misunderstandings. Explains the school's disciplinary response. Discusses lessons learned from the event and the implications of cultural misperceptions for curriculum planning.…

Urges two-year colleges to refocus their mission and goals in light of their poor image and status in higher education; their largely urban location; and their nontraditional, often high-risk, student population. Argues for cohesiveness in institutional mission, and new curricula more sensitive to students' urban context, demographics, and career…

Summarizes concerns commonly expressed by incoming LaGuardia Community College freshmen (e.g., worries about parenting; fear of random violence; financial worries; fear of educational failure; and anxiety about mastering English). Reviews an instructor's efforts to empower students and build self-concept. Advocates a systemwide effort to meet…

Points to high failure rates among educationally underprepared students at the City University of New York (CUNY). Argues that CUNY's Hispanic and African-American students often enter with inadequate school socialization, learning, and standard English skills and that CUNY's efforts regarding diversity and pluralism neglect the student and often…