Major issues that emerged in the interplay of higher education and society in the 1960s and are relevant today are considered in a newsletter article. It is noted that the social movements of the 1960s that began on the campus continue to fundamentally change society, and these changes will also force higher education to play a different role in…

Argues that community colleges must maintain their integrity by being true to the philosophy and mission of open access and articulating that mission to constituents in an effective and consistent manner. Discusses the evolving democratization of higher education, misunderstandings and criticisms of open access, and ways to maintain open…

Higher education must make as clear as possible what it intends to do, can do, and will do, and its responsibility for the admission, retention, and graduation of students, planning equal emphasis and enthusiasm on helping students achieve well-defined standards of excellence. (Author/MSE)

Examines the vital role of the community college in increasing access to higher education, especially among minorities and disadvantaged groups. Discusses fiscal constraints which jeopardize the continuation of this role and suggests increased cooperation with public schools and area businesses as a means of improving educational productivity. (JP)

Describes the downsizing and restructuring occurring in many community colleges due to funding decreases and enrollment increases. Discusses the feasibility of keeping an open-door policy, and explores other options to downsizing. Lists steps to help colleges review their missions, arguing that they must move to find their market niches. (AJL)

Uses the imagery of pioneer life to underscore the uncertainty of today's community college mission. Discusses the community college characteristics that represent a significant departure from traditional higher education: equal opportunity, open admissions, community involvement, comprehensive curriculum, and teaching orientation. Proposes…

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…

A list of questions are posed to introduce a range of issues that may affect higher education enrollment. The need for opening up a dialogue to promote thought and subsequent action on alternative responses to future unknowns--e.g., federal intervention, unionization, labor force redirection--is discussed. (MLW)

Explores problems faced by the community junior college, including inflation, rising enrollments, expanding services, and open admissions; transfer policies from secondary and to university levels; faculty qualifications; management and accountability. Major trends are increased nontraditional students, alternate educational forms, decreased…

Community colleges concentrate on the neglected first two years of college; raise educational levels of underprepared students; educates and trains students to be qualified, skilled workers; and re-educates those whose skills are outdated; and those who have college degrees but no work skills. Drawing from interviews with community college…

A perspective on quality in higher education suggests that standards and assumptions about quality that have been traditionally accepted for upper level colleges are not applicable to community colleges. It is proposed that quality standards be established for community colleges to reflect their unique mission and goals. The most distinctive…

Educational reform by Miami-Dade Community College is discussed by its president, Robert H. McCabe. In an action that is considered unusual for two-year schools, it has tightened controls on its curriculum, faculty, and students. A commitment to achieving higher levels of literacy is advocated. (MLW)

One of the most important elements of the community college is the open enrollment policy, providing students who may have performed poorly in high school with a fresh start. Serving academically underprepared students is an important objective of community colleges, but the practice is not without pitfalls. Negative outcomes of the open…

Although the community college is a product of the publicly subsidized move to mass higher education during the 25 years following World War II, it now faces a more stringent fiscal environment that severely challenges its comprehensive, multipurpose character. Funding in the current era of consolidation entails an examination and reconciliation…