Enrollment Policies and Student Access at Community Colleges. Policy Paper.

This paper, which focuses on access and enrollment at community colleges, is part of a series published by the Center for Community College Policy, designed to support state and local policymakers, as well as educational leaders who are interested in policy issues related to the two-year postsecondary sector. While some students plan on earning a terminal associate degree and others plan to transfer to a four-year institution, there are other students for whom the community college represents their last best hope for postsecondary education. Community colleges offer these students an opportunity to start over and improve their employability by learning specific skills. Ideally, community colleges serve as a vehicle leading to self-sufficiency for those on welfare or otherwise in need of support. The "open door" policy of community colleges is threatened due to declining investments and concurrent rising enrollment. Some of the policy recommendations explored in this paper address enrollment, student outcomes, funding policies, remedial education, and restricting enrollment in favor of those students who do not already possess a degree. Information about contacting specific community colleges cited as examples in this document are included along with references. (Contains 10 references.) (AF)