The Community College Baccalaureate - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1579221300 ISBN 13: 9781579221300

Publisher: Routledge, 2004

Synopsis

* Is the conferring of baccalaureate degrees by community colleges a solution to increasing access to and capacity in higher education?
* Will the conferring of baccalaureate degrees restrict open access to, and imperil the existing mission of, community colleges?
* What are the models and alternative methods of delivery? What are the implications?

Breaking away from their traditional mission of conferring only associate degrees and occupational credentials, an increasing number of community colleges have begun seriously to explore and, indeed, in some U.S. states and Canadian provinces, to actually implement offering and conferring bachelor’s degrees.

Some leaders see these changes as a natural extension of community colleges’ commitment to access, while others view their awarding of baccalaureate degrees as inappropriate and threatening the basic core values of this unique sector of higher education.

This has become a "hot" and controversial topic, not only among community college and university leaders, but also among policy makers, business leaders and students concerned with issues of access, cost and the structure and purposes of post-secondary education.

This book analyzes the emerging trend of the community college baccalaureate degree in the United States and Canada in order to contribute to the development of policy. The authors aim to describe, document, and explain this significant development in higher education. They present the background, examples of practice and different models of delivery, develop a common terminology to facilitate discussion, give voice to the views of proponents and critics alike, and include a comprehensive bibliography and set of resources.

This book is intended as a catalyst for dialog, action and further research on this critical and emerging trend. It is essential reading for leaders of community colleges, for administrators and planners in higher education concerned with issues of access and articulation, and anyone in public policy grappling with demographic trends and society’s need for educated citizens able to meet the challenges of the future.

About this title

Book Description:

"...an important contribution to our understanding of what is sure to become a major policy issue....a must read for state policy makers and community college leaders contemplating adding the baccalaureate. Leaders of four-year colleges and universities, particularly in states where the community college baccalaureate is, or is likely to become a reality, will also find this book very helpful."―Journal of Applied Research in the Community College

"An important point to make early in this review is that the editors have taken care to present both supporting and opposing views to this trend. This comprehensive perspective is one of the strengths of this work, as all individuals concerned with the community college baccalaureate can use the book to consider both sides of the issue. In fact, one entire chapter is dedicated to presenting both positive and negative perspectives regarding the community college baccalaureate. This book...will contribute greatly towards future research and policy decisions regarding the mission and role of the community college."―Community College Journal of Research and Practice

"The book does provide needed advice for schools about what to consider and do before plunging into a new universe. Readers can learn from the authors' own experiences as well as their findings."―Community College Week

This book analyzes the emerging trend of the community college baccalaureate degree in the United States and Canada in order to contribute to the development of policy. The authors aim to describe, document, and explain this significant development in higher education. They present the background, examples of practice and different models of delivery, develop a common terminology to facilitate discussion, give voice to the views of proponents and critics alike, and include a comprehensive bibliography and set of resources.

About the Author:

Deborah L. Floyd is Professor of Higher Education Leadership at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton with over 25 years of administrative experience in community colleges as a president, vice president, dean and director.

About this edition

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 1579221300
• ISBN 13: 9781579221300
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 240
• Editor: Floyd Deborah L., Skolnik Michael L., Walker Kenneth P.