The downturn in the economy has coincided with enrollment increases at many community colleges. However, although enrollment at two-year institutions is up, several states have trimmed--or even chopped--appropriations for higher education. Florida, New Mexico, Rhode Island, and Tennessee have each cut financing for 2009 by at least 5 percent,…

Economic storms historically have prompted more adults to seek shelter in the classroom. But this time around, two-year colleges and private for-profit institutions are especially optimistic about attracting more students--and many of those older students will probably take courses online, according to one of the authors of a recent survey. The…

As is typical in a recession, many community colleges are experiencing a surge in enrollment, at precisely the same time that they must--like many enterprises, both public and private--contend with choking constraints on resources. The reality for community colleges is this: No matter how good this nation's colleges are today--and they do…

Too often, conversations and policy debates about higher education ignore a key group of students, the forgotten majority: adult, "nontraditional" learners. In particular, the author argues, community colleges have lost some of their initial edge in the adult market, and are not growing to meet the needs of nontraditional students. She explores…

Since 2003, more than 40 athletics programs have joined the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) ranks. Membership now represents about 500 colleges, and Wayne Baker, the group's executive director, expects to keep adding colleges. Membership in the association began declining slightly in the early 1990s, as private two-year…

Community colleges in all areas of the country offer students opportunities for postsecondary education that they might not otherwise have. The nearly 600 community colleges that serve rural communities play a special role in providing access, one that the author believes deserves greater understanding and recognition. He shares some of what he…

Discusses how, as students enroll in record numbers, Cape Fear Community College, like many of its counterparts, is struggling to meet their needs. (EV)

Describes how two-year colleges are doing some soul searching about why they have problems attracting male students. (EV)

This article discusses how federal and state governments can improve student access to private and public higher education institutions. Florida helps to achieve that with a common course-numbering system across community and four-year colleges, which permits students to easily transfer credits. Both the Senate and the House of Delegates in…

In a period of rapid enrollment growth, cities in which University of California campuses reside are waging a noisy campaign to demand an end to campus expansion, either by adding a campus or keeping enrollments down. The university remains committed to offering a place to all qualifying students. (MSE)

Issues related to minorities and higher education were reported at a federally sponsored conference. Research described is related to: black students and black colleges; community colleges and minority students; faculty hiring and affirmative action; campus presidents and minority enrollments; and Supreme Court decisions and affirmative action.…

Concerns about the economy, escalating costs of four-year institutions, and caps on state college enrollments have made many high school graduates look to community colleges, where they can complete their freshman and sophomore years at a fraction of the cost at a four-year school. More individualized instruction and counseling also attract…

"Chronicle of Higher Education" presents an abundant source of news and information for college and university faculty members and administrators. This March 11, 2005 issue of "Chronicle of Higher Education" includes the following articles: (1) "Don't Get Goggle-Eyed Over Google's Plan to Digitize" (Herring, Mark Y.);…

Predicted enrollment growth at four-year colleges in some states has not occurred. Trends complicating projection include increase in high school students taking college courses and progressing quickly; community college demand among older students; federal aid and tax changes; growth of distance learning; state and federal welfare program…

The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, representing schools with a 25% Hispanic enrollment, plans to press for the simplification of student financial aid forms and lay the groundwork for legislation that would set aside funds for Hispanic colleges similar to money for Black colleges. (MLW)