This study addresses the fundamental question, "Are Kentucky's public community and technical colleges training enough students with the relevant skills to fill job openings in Kentucky's middle-skill jobs?" By examining student interests in occupational programs, labor market demand for trained middle-skill employees, and their…

A web-based formula-driven tool has been developed for the purpose of performing two distinct academic department budgeting functions: allocation funding to the department, and budget management by the department. The tool's major features are discussed and its uses demonstrated. The tool's advantages are presented. (Contains 10 figures.)

A comprehensive research project conducted by the Community College Section of the National Communication Association (NCA) investigated the status of communication education in U.S. community colleges. Contacts from 290 public community colleges in the U.S. responded to a survey targeting five areas of inquiry: (a) institutional, (b)…

Those with online PhD's stand a better chance of being hired by a community college than by other colleges or universities when seeking a faculty position. In a 2007 study, administrators of some of the largest community colleges in the United States indicated that they were receptive to hiring applicants with online doctorates for teaching…

The role of a department chair is difficult and complex because it requires one to be an instructor, an administrator, a leader, a manager, and a mediator simultaneously. With the present budget constraints, effective internal leadership at the department level has become indispensable for community colleges. Despite the fact that department…

This chapter identifies a number of resources that department chairs can use in their professional development.

For the graduating class of 2006, the average ACT score for all test takers in West Virginia was 20.6. While the rate is below the national average, scores have increased significantly for the second consecutive year. Research demonstrates that the best predictor of college success is a rigorous high school curriculum, and it is anticipated that…

This position paper of the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges begins by examining the philosophy behind different structures in an academic institution. This discussion leads to a discussion of the roles and responsibilities of "chairs" within that structure and how they might be fulfilled by department chairs, division…

The purpose of this handbook is to provide a resource for institutions, departments, faculty members, and articulation committees who are engaged in articulating courses and programs for credit within the British Columbia (BC) Transfer System. The handbook is based on best practices as observed and recorded by the British Columbia Council on…

This bulletin is divided into four parts. Part I contains lists of institutions accredited by State universities. Part II contains lists of institutions accredited by State departments of education. Part III contains lists of recognized or approved colleges prepared by the influential voluntary organizations of secondary and higher institutions…

Researchers have spent years investigating the demands, multiple roles, and critical nature of organizational leaders in postsecondary educational settings. Overall, the research indicates agreement that leadership at all levels in postsecondary education is complex and multidimensional. During the past thirty years, though, much of the research…

With the enactment of Act 46 of 2005, the General Assembly changed the landscape of funding, auditing and reporting for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's fourteen community colleges. Act 46 also requires that the Department of Education produce an annual report reflecting data collected from the community colleges relevant to the immediately…

This study determined whether or not administrators in Texas community colleges, who had been successful versus those who had not been successful in recruiting and hiring minority faculty, had different: (1) views on the barriers; (2) attitudes, beliefs, and perceptions; (3) priorities (commitments); and (4) strategies related to the recruitment…

John Gardner, of the National Resource Center for The First Year Experience and Students in Transition, addressed academic librarians at the ACRL meeting in Charlotte, North Carolina, in April 2003, urging librarians to become more actively involved in First Year Experience courses. Susan J. C. Bissett responds in this article, citing the…

Abundant research chronicles the backgrounds and characteristics of community college students assigned to developmental reading. Many are members of underrepresented groups and first in their families to attend college. English may not be their primary language. Developmental students often struggle with learning disabilities. Nontraditional…