Confessions of a Community College Dean

We all know the old joke about the drunk who’s looking for his keys outside the bar at night. He’s looking near the streetlamp, even though he dropped them half a block away, because the light is better there. If we look where it’s easy, instead of where it’s likely, it’s easy to predict the results.

I spent the last few days on my first accreditation site visit. I’ve been on the receiving end of three of the big ten-year versions -- lucky timing -- so it seemed like time to try being on the other side.

Several years ago, I started musing about the potential for an upscale for-profit college. (Here’s the first piece in which I floated the idea of “Mercedes U,” back in 2005.) Since then I’ve returned to the idea several times (such as this piece from 2010, and this from 2012). Founders College gave the idea a shot several years ago, but flamed out quickly due to terrible planning and a quixotic Ayn Rand fixation. As far as I know, that has been the only credible attempt.

A left coast correspondent writes: "I have been trying to get my foot in the door in CC's in southern California for a year now. I must've called a dozen or more schools, applied through the online systems, and informally sent my CV and cover letters to the chairs and vice chairs of several departments. While I am still trying, I am also applying to full-time jobs. I've read that CC experience is a must--that I must have experience teaching the CC student body."

People who know me will have a hard time picturing this, but it’s true.

Southwest has spoiled me. I’m so used to just checking a bag and not thinking about it that when I flew USAir last week and saw a “bag fee,” I actually got offended. What do you mean, “bag fee”? If I didn’t bring a bag, I’d get flagged by TSA, but you’re charging a bag fee? How about a seat fee? Sheesh.

Next week I’m doing my first accreditation visit. I’ve been on the receiving end of three ten-year visits in my career -- you’d think that wouldn’t be mathematically possible, but it is -- but this will be my first time on the visiting side. I spent a chunk of this weekend plowing through the self-study, pen in hand.

I’ve been in D.C. for the past few days at a Project Directors’ meeting for several Federal grant programs. The conference was heavy on plenary sessions, which I’ll admit is not my preferred style. Much of the oratory has been of the “hooray for us” variety, which keeps the peace but doesn’t really help us do our jobs better. That said, though, I found a useful breakout session about improving students’ financial literacy. The session was standing-room-only, which I actually took as a good sign; at least there seems to be widespread recognition that this is a real issue.