When you're on the front line of administration, you're in the direct line of questions, situations, and challenges that arise daily. As a community college administrator, you're required to tackle the firestorms that flare up, which may include addressing no-win decisions and effectively dealing with unjustified, as well as justified, criticism. Firsthand practical advice is presented direct from experienced professionals and details the skills and attributes needed to succeed as a community college leader. Drawing from the authors' varied experiences, this helpful guide covers the most pressing topics of concern to community college administrators, including * Making defining career choices * Thriving and surviving in your role * Expertly navigating institutional politics * Taking on roles and responsibilities * Becoming a trustee * Selecting a board * Evaluating a CEO

"The Insider's Guide to Community Colleges: How to Choose the Best Community College for You" examines what distinguishes each community college and how to fit these characteristics with your professional and personal goals. This book uses statistical data, genuine student experiences, and expert perspectives to provide a comprehensive picture of community colleges and how to evaluate their quality and fit for your needs. A Comprehensive Guide for Choosing Your Options Expert advice on how to collect data, analyzes your options, and ultimately selects what would best advance your educational and professional goals. This book is your go-to resource if you want to learn new skills, plan to transfer to a four-year university, or just want to start a career with a two-year degree. Using the information and tools in "The Insider's Guide to Community Colleges," you can efficiently manage the application process and choose the community college that best suits your goals. Accept this book as your personal counselor and begin the journey toward making an informed decision that will have a big and exciting impact on your future. This book will guide you through the complex world of community colleges, whether you are a parent supporting your child's educational path, an adult student looking to upgrade or change careers, or a recent high school graduate unsure of your next steps. Choosing the right community college can be a watershed moment in your academic career, potentially laying the groundwork for future success in both academia and the workplace. The procedure, however, can be intimidating due to the sheer number of options and factors to consider. With this book, which seeks to demystify the selection process, you will have a complete toolkit to make informed and confident decisions.

These concise and student-friendly booklets on topics critical to college success are a perfect complement to your textbook and course. Bundle one with any Bedford/St. Martin's textbook at no additional cost.

This book is about how to survive, thrive, and make a difference as a leader in the political arena that can sometimes be overwhelming. First published in 2000, the book quickly rose to the bestseller list at the American Association of Community College’s bookstore as college administrators, university graduate students and college staff development officers recognized its importance as a learning and mentoring resource for current and future college leaders. The authors share ideas, anecdotes, and vicarious experiences that should help readers take advantage of career opportunities and, if necessary, survive pitfalls that may temporarily set them back. The Third Edition has been updated and expanded to reflect new challenges and new opportunities found on America’s community college campuses.