Sets forth eight rules for using assessment to allow community colleges to create a distinctive image: create a "brand identity," differentiate the institution from competitors, big picture goals, total institution performance, priority assigned to stakeholders, measuring intangible benefits, continuous customer touch, and urgency for action.…

Provides an overview of the changing community college management landscape and compares the possible outcomes and influence on an institution of various college management styles. Suggests that the most successful colleges will be those that emphasize leadership, accountability, involvement, and integration over management, control, complacency,…

Impact analysis culminates in the formulation of outcome measures that describe college impact in terms of demonstrable change in student attitudes and behavior. Outcome measures meet the data needs of state policy-makers as well as institutional planners, and thus invite external support and cooperation rather than control. (JG)

Based on an analysis of the subjects of American Association of Community and Junior Colleges annual convention forums, identifies shifts in the issues faced by community college faculty and administrators, factors which might account for these differences, issues which will be important in the future, and the implications of these trends for…

Analyzes social, political, and economic factors affecting community college development, including economic decline, increased state control, reduced appropriations and discretionary income, loss of diversity and autonomy, demographic transitions, and technological changes. Recommends a strategic management approach to issues of mission and…

Strategic thinking is an organized, analytical process by which college leaders can assess: (1) existing and potential competitors; (2) sources of competitive advantage; and (3) college capabilities and competitive position. Three outcomes of strategic thinking are: (1) clear institutional strategy and direction; (2) improved institutional…

Previous and present relationships between colleges and their communities are examined to determine the various forms of intervention, both social and economic, that will shape this relationship in the future. Four forms of community intervention are identified. (1) By its participation in college programs and services, the community is the…

An investigation was made of research and development needs among various academic and administrative divisions in New York City Community College. Although the primary aim of the investigation was to obtain information related to current research needs in the college, the study was also designed to accumulate information pertaining to the…

This paper, which focuses on shared governance in community colleges, is part of a series published by the Center for Community College Policy, designed to support state and local policymakers, as well as educational leaders who are interested in policy issues related to the two-year postsecondary sector. Shared governance, or "collegial decision…

This paper presents two models, one for organizing institutional research and research data, and the other for applying research findings to the decision-making process. The model for organizing research consists of four subsystems: goal-setting, program development, cost-effectiveness, and program review. Each subsystem has a distinctive…

Argues that institutional effectiveness issues in community colleges are situation-specific and demand flexibility in assessment model design. Briefly describes 20 community colleges using exemplary assessment practices and models. Diagrams a comprehensive assessment model using internal and external effectiveness measures and offers eight…

The creative management of change in a time of economic contraction requires planning reforms. Organizing for effective planning requires a total conceptual framework beginning with a stated mission and ending with a systematic approach to operations. Goals should be based on a market analysis of community educational needs and its translation…

In this study, the enrollment distribution of students attending New York City Community Colleges is examined and evaluated. The introductory section presents briefly the national enrollment picture for two-year and four-year colleges, enumerates the various projections that have been developed by federal and state agencies, and evaluates the…

In this sourcebook, nine contributors explore the issue of reduced resources for community colleges in the current period of decelerating growth. S. V. Martorana describes how public two-year institutions have become increasingly dependent on state and federal financial support, resulting in losses of college autonomy. W. Gary McGuire examines…