The lists below are not meant to be exhaustive. The selection of a track should be seen as a guide only. They help attendees select the sessions most relevant to them. There are no correct or incorrect track selections because some program topics are broad enough to encompass more than one, but the proposal should indicate the track best suited for the presentation.
Track 1: Accelerating Developmental Education – With close to two-thirds of incoming students requiring some developmental education, critics charge that many community college students are mired in non-credit coursework, losing time and confidence in their ability to progress. New approaches such as modularized programs or a focus on defined competencies are having promising success.
Track 2: Balancing Access and Completion – Access has long been a cornerstone of the community college mission. As community colleges strive to meet the challenge to double the number of students who complete degrees, certificates, or other credentials, will such actions affect access for the most vulnerable students? How are colleges holding on to fundamental values while also improving measurable outcomes?
Track 3: Building Tomorrow’s Workforce – Few contest the notion that tomorrow’s workforce must be better educated, more technologically savvy, and demonstrate more advanced skill levels. Yet projections indicate that high numbers of new workers will be drawn from populations with low college-going traditions and limited advanced skills. How are community colleges addressing this mismatch of worker preparation and market need?
Track 4: Calling All Big Ideas! – It’s a familiar challenge for community colleges: more mission, greater challenge, less funding. College leaders are turning to innovative strategies that upend business as usual to get the job done. Bring us your bold, creative, even heretical ideas!
Track 5: New Business Models – The mission of the community college continues to evolve, with increased challenges presented by governments and funders. Progressive institutions are looking beyond traditional funding and operational models to reinvent themselves, with a focus on innovation, accountability and efficiency.
Track 6: Transforming Transfer – As completion becomes the academic mantra, community colleges are developing new processes and partnerships with receiving institutions to align student progression, improve communication and redefine student success.