Gender Issues in Community College Settings

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

Community colleges are cast as more gender friendly given the higher number of women and minority students, women faculty, and women presidents relative to their four-year counterparts. Students needing to work full-time, with family responsibilities, or poor academic preparation may find the community college their best option. Likewise, faculty members may perceive more flexibility at a community college. Yet, roles and structures in community colleges illustrate gendered patterns. Research on gender in community colleges has largely ignored men of color and masculinity, but the debate on community colleges as gender equitable institutions needs to complicate the dichotomy of masculinity and femininity. This session addresses gender roles for men of color, faculty, and leaders in community colleges to enhance gender equity.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Research on Women and Education

Chair

• Susan B. Twombly, The University of Kansas

Papers

• “Good” Places to Work: Community Colleges, Academic Work, and Family Integration - Kelly A. Ward, Washington State University

• What Happened to Revisioning Community College Leadership? A 20-Year Retrospective - Pamela L. Eddy, College of William and Mary; Tehmina Khwaja, College of William and Mary

Discussant

• Susan B. Twombly, The University of Kansas