Excellence and the Open Door: An Essential Partnership. A Report of the Commission to Study the Mission, Financing, and Governance of the County Colleges, State of New Jersey. Volume One.

The objectives of this study of the county colleges in New Jersey were to: (1) examine their mission, governance, and financing; (2) determine whether philosophies and operating mechanisms of a period of expansion would provide sufficient support and direction for the future; and (3) make recommendations based upon the study. In addition to supporting the comprehensive mission of the colleges, the Commission also supported their open access policy. The development and expansion of occupational programs were seen to be of major importance, as was the commitment of resources to professional development for faculty, administrators, and staff. As the community-based nature of the colleges contributes to their flexibility, the Commission opposed drastic change in their current local management and governance model; however, criteria were recommended in relation to enhancing effectiveness in governance. These included the establishment of a balance of powers, diversity of individual trustees, and independence from political interference. Toward these ends, the Commission recommended the appointment of two of the nine trustees on each board by the State, increased community representation, and continued separation of college governance from the county structure. The recommended funding mechanism shifted from being enrollment-driven to recognizing fixed cost, and included greater state support. (Author/MB)