Community College Philosophy

By Judy A. Strattan

I believe that our community college system is an effective, integral component in the structure of higher education. The expression of unique local needs and demands for transfer programs, career and technical training and education, developmental basic skills courses and community services offerings provides clear guidance to each community college. Our mission, which encompasses equal access and quality instruction and services to an ever increasingly diverse student population, is providing opportunity for vision and innovation from all the constituents of the college community.

Providing meaningful learning experiences and assisting students in the successful completion of their educational goals has become a more challenging opportunity in today's society. Community colleges were placed in the forefront of leadership through the shared governance process with the implementation of Assembly Bill 1725 many years ago. Higher education has all the leaders on campus; faculty, staff, administration, board and students, working together to identify and explore alternatives for providing access and retention for the most heterogeneous student bodies in history.

Successful campus teamwork and community involvement / partnerships are directing creative energy toward current problem solving and future visions for our local communities. Teamwork and the ability and willingness to cooperate in support of institutional programs and services are always important. But, it is critical in times of uncertainty, change and fiscal constraints. Concern for process must be paramount.

People must be encouraged to feel comfortable in supporting colleagues and ideas beyond their own disciplines and not to view others' gains as their loss. Our approaches need to be considered in the broader perspective of what is educationally valid and effective for students. The challenge is to find meaningful ways to reach out to those with different world views and to create enough common belief and purpose to move all of us in the desired direction.

It is an exciting time to be a part of the community college system. Long-range strategic planning, institutional research and program and service accountability cannot be overemphasized. Effective leaders will best serve community and campus needs by approaching change with an optimistic, positive attitude and cooperatively coordinating and orchestrating a comprehensive institutional view.