Validation within higher education, "refers to the intentional, proactive affirmation of students. Validation, at the community college level, is closely linked to resilience, retention, as well as higher graduation rates. This research paper will address if students are able to find the validation that they require at the community college…

The purpose of this reflective essay is to encourage the discussion of community-engaged scholarship (CES) that does not progress as planned. Insufficient attention is given to lessons gleaned from missteps and outright failures experienced by scholars in the field, which results in a paucity of documented cases and recommendations for…

This article examines the backgrounds and pedagogical evolution of twelve community college (CC) human anatomy and physiology faculty participating in a larger study known as the Community College Anatomy and Physiology Education Research (CAPER) project. Using qualitative analysis of interviews based on Luft & Roehrig's (2007) Teacher Belief…

Northern Arizona University (NAU) has been operating a National Science Foundation-funded Research Experiences for Undergraduates program for 18 years. The program works with tribal and community college faculty to recruit students traditionally underrepresented in the sciences for a 10-week summer research experience at NAU. Since 2006, 77…

Using a mixed methods, multilevel research design, this pilot inquiry explored the relationship between college faculty professional development and the academic achievement of diverse students by coupling two separate links: (a) the effects that professional development activities have on improving teaching strategies, and (b) the effects these…

This paper explores cultural inclusivity in online learning design by discussing two international capacity development projects: an online tutor mentor development programme in Sri Lanka and a hybrid physician assistant training programme in Ghana. Inclusivity involves establishing partnerships and conducting needs assessments to maximise the…

This annual report provides the details of how some of New Mexico Higher Education Department's (NMHED) accomplishments will improve the lives of New Mexico's students. In addition to information about NMHED led programs, this report includes profiles of each of New Mexico's public higher education institutions (HEIs) to the report. Each profile…

Community college administrators look for strategies to help students. GRASP (Gaining Retention and Achievement for Students Program) is a semester-long faculty development program that coaches community college instructors about simple, effective teaching strategies that promote student academic achievement. GRASP is founded on the belief that…

In this essay, the authors chronicle the overhauling of their English department's rubric design, curriculum, and portfolio in order to emphasize a wider range of "real-world" writing. The authors share that in the process of their overhaul, they redefined their identity--how they thought of themselves and how they wanted to approach…

In the first decade of the 21st century, the nation, the states, and colleges and universities began to grapple with the challenges of globalization, changing demography, the implications of the digital era, and of a less expansive public sector. Although not a transformative period for higher education, the decade saw significant innovations in…

Integrating Learning Communities into Study Abroad, piloted in Russia, was a joint effort including students, faculty, and community leaders. Participants researched business practices and studied the humanities of Russia in different cities. Future learning communities will focus on business and humanities in Italy, Hungary, and Greece.

Like many institutions, Santa Fe Community College (SFCC) has struggled to move beyond anecdotal sketches of student experiences to a more detailed picture of student engagement supported by methodically and systematically collected quantitative data. In 2004, as part of its ongoing commitment to data-informed or data-based decision making, the…

The "Horizons" project features model programs, national data collection and dissemination, and an information clearinghouse. In addition, "Horizons" provides professional development opportunities and technical assistance through regional workshops on service learning and civic responsibility, chief academic officer summits,…

This study addresses concerns regarding compensation disparities between New Mexico institutions and their peers. A recommended adjustment schedule with fiscal requirements is included, but not specific recommendations for faculty at individual institutions. The average salaries for New Mexico institutions were compared with regional peers to…

In a collective report of New Mexico's twelve two-year colleges and postsecondary vocational schools, the following information is reported for each institution: the organizational statute, year of organization, vocational school designation, public school districts included within the institutional district, and the percent of district high…