Describes the experience of teaching at a community college (Kellogg Community College, Battle Creek, Michigan) and the realities of being the Chair of a community college English department. Concludes that teaching in a community college is for the committed "teacher-citizen" ready to become involved in creating a better institution…

Discusses the problems surrounding inservice development programs for deans and department chairpersons in junior and community colleges, including budget considerations, time constraints, selection of topics, planning, and implementation. Offers suggestions for making inservice activities productive. (Author/WD)

Presents an exploration of research that benefits a community college English department as it reconsiders the theoretical foundations of its curriculum. Notes how the department crafted a curriculum that was not only inclusive but responsive to the students taught. Concludes that writing is only lasting when it is intertwined with the lives and…

Program review is essential for long-range planning, financial accountability, and self-validation. One option for dealing with the limitations of many program review models is a mini-accreditation approach to assess the extent of goal attainment within a broad category of activities or outcomes. All members of the department being reviewed should…

Based on the premise that an English teacher needs to be a scholar, this paper outlines the benefits of rhetorical theory for the teacher, and suggests an approach for teaching theory to part- and full-time composition faculty. The major benefits, for the teacher, of learning rhetorical theory include: (1) becoming more professional; (2) improving…

This manual provides forms and instruments to facilitate the evaluation and professional development planning of community college instructional supervisors (e.g., department chairs and program coordinators). The first section provides a self-evaluation checklist designed to assess the instructional supervisor's satisfaction with his/her…

Designed to assist college trustees in the North Carolina community college system in carrying out their duties, this handbook contains information about the system, the functions and responsibilities of trustees, local and state budgets, and pertinent laws. First, introductory comments place the work of the trustee within the context of the…

Campus activities programmers on two-year campuses can find support among faculty by approaching faculty with whom they already network, identifying faculty who support student affairs efforts, making extra efforts to inform faculty about programs, actively responding to both positive and negative faculty comments, and keeping communication…

Program review at Independence Community College (ICC) is structured so that every program of study will undergo review within a 5-year period. The purpose of the program review effort is to assess the relationship of inputs to outcomes, so that actual outcomes can be compared to expected outcomes. Each program of study is evaluated according to…

In spite of difficulties in analyzing student retention in community college programs and courses, certain facts about student attrition are known. First, students who drop out of class or school tend to have lower grades than students who persist. Second, the ability of students to drop in and out of community colleges at will has negative…

A description is provided of the development and implementation of a Faculty Coaching System, a systematic evaluation process, at Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC). Introductory comments by Russ Slicker offer a brief history and description of MATC and a profile of MATC's well-established, stable faculty. Next, Beverly Simone discusses the…

This handbook presents the minimum qualifications required for full-time faculty and academic support personnel at Illinois Valley Community College (IVCC). Section A presents Board of Trustee policies regarding: hiring professional staff, full-time faculty, and full-time academic support personnel; establishing competencies for faculty and…

This handbook presents the minimum qualifications required for full- and part-time faculty and academic support personnel at Illinois Valley Community College (IVCC). Section A presents board of trustee policies regarding: (1) hiring of professional staff; (2) hiring of full-time faculty; (3) hiring of full-time academic support personnel; (4)…

Although the reality of change is ever present, educators are often resistant to it. Three barriers to change in colleges or other organizations are a lack of strategic vision and mission; low commitment, trust, and teamwork; and a bureaucratic organizational culture. Resistance to change can manifest itself in various ways, including regression…

In times of budget constraints and cutbacks, it is especially important to promote staff and faculty development activities since they may not be viewed as college priorities and employee morale and motivation can suffer during such times. Department chairs must engage in a "treasure hunt" to search for hidden resources to meet professional…