IMAGE OF THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE DURING THE 1970s: A STUDY OF PERCEPTIONS

This article resulted from a funded research study which secured data from which conclusions could be drawn about the extent to which the image of the public, two‐year college changed during the decade of the 1970s, and about possible reasons for such changes. Six significant groups of educators across the nation were surveyed to secure their perceptions of change in image of the public community college. Survey instruments were sent to 903 persons in those six groups; 55% of the instruments were returned. By more than six to one, respondents indicated a perceived significant change in image. Detailed responses to items in five areas of possible change were submitted by respondents. The areas which were studied included: growth and management; programs offered; faculty; students; and other changes in policies, programs, or procedures.