Discusses the persistent questioning of the community college's open-door tradition in the 1980's. Considers the community college missions as originally defined, the effects of declining funding and credibility, and evidence of and strategies to prevent the closing of the open door. Explains Miami-Dade Community College's educational reforms in…

The public junior college was conceived with an "open door" to give the disadvantaged high school graduate another chance to break the poverty cycle and the minority student an opportunity to extend his/her skills and career options. Since its inception in the early 1900's, the mission of the junior college has changed. The initial focus on…

Though recent research indicates a stronger sense of purpose and satisfaction among faculty at community colleges relative to four-year institutions, criticism of community colleges for alleged deficiency in facilitating transfer to the four-year schools is widespread. This function however, is only one of the many comprehensive services provided…