Examining the ethical dimensions of various institutional issues, policies, and practices at the community college, this volume fills a critical gap in the field. Chapters focuse on topics that have an important ethical component and transcend specific program areas, campus services, and leadership positions, including Negotiating the Commmunity College Institutional Accountability Environment The Importance of a Professional and Institutional Ethical Identity Ethical Dimensions of the Open-Door Admissions Policy Diversity-Affirming Ethics and Critical Epistemology: Institutional Decision Making in Community Colleges Ethical Issues for Community College Student Affairs Ethics in an Online Environment An Inquiry Process for Individual and Institutional Ethics Community colleges exist within an increasingly complex environment characterized by constant change and a range of conflicting academic, community, political, and financial responsibilities. Campus leaders, faculty, staff, and governing board members are often called on to make decisions that balance interests and concerns framed by these considerations. Often these decisions have an ethical component. College personnel may be able to call on a rich literature that addresses the relevant academic, community, political, and financial dimensions of specific problems. However, there is a limited literature on the ethical dimensions of broad issues that span the institution. This volume's emphasis on institutional ethics (and not the professional ethical responsibilities of specific individuals) makes it more relevant to a wider audience and a vital contribution to the development of ethical professional practices throughout the institution. This is the 148th volume of the Jossey-Bass higher education quarterly report series New Directions for Community Colleges, an essential guide for presidents, vice presidents, deans, and other leaders in today's open-door institutions, this quarterly provides expert guidance in meeting the challenges of their distinctive and expanding educational mission.

Author Biography

Clifford P. Harbour is associate professor in the adult and postsecondary education program at the University of Wyoming. Patricia L. Farrell is the director of university outreach and policy research at the President Council, State Universities of Michigan.