Post-Master's Certificate in Community College Leadership

The rise of community colleges following World War II added a new egalitarian dimension to higher education. In this course, educators explore how the various components of the community college history and mission changed the face of postsecondary education, giving rise to workforce development, developmental education, and continuing education, in addition to academic transfer programs. Best practices for governance of community colleges as well as contemporary issues such as the completion agenda, dual-credit courses for high school students, and articulations with 4-year institutions are explored. 

Effective leadership in community colleges goes beyond managing or reacting to change; it anticipates change and seeks out opportunities for growth for the institution and its members while keeping the institution focused on its mission and goals for learning. Community college professionals in this course focus on key leadership skills, such as communication, negotiation, decision making, strategic planning, and conflict management. They research and discuss strategies for navigating the complex political environment of today's colleges and universities, cultivating a culture of evidence, and developing the institution's intellectual and human resources. They also practice analyzing, evaluating, and applying research methods appropriate to data-informed planning and decision making. 

Staying abreast of contemporary issues, challenges, and emerging trends is essential for institutional effectiveness in community colleges. The rapid expansion of online programs, which extends the reach of community colleges beyond the bounds of geography, while being a catalyst for change and development in the local communities, is just one of the challenges faced by 21st-century community college leaders. This course is designed to keep educators on the leading edge while exploring topics of technology, diversity of students, college readiness, access, and global awareness.

Community colleges are becoming increasingly accountable for providing diverse student populations with skills that prepare them for the future. Faculty and staff must be prepared to meet the needs of all students, including veterans, students from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, academically underprepared students, or those who are the first in their families to attend college. The community college professional is often responsible for developing and implementing robust and proactive programs of academic and personal support to assist students in completing their programs and becoming successful. Included in this course is a focus on assessment and placement tools that assist in determining who might need resources such as remediation, developmental education, or counseling. In this course, educators can gain the tools needed to develop and measure resources that support student success. With an emphasis on outcomes, educators in this course focus on best practices for improving the engagement, retention, and educational achievement of today's community college student.