Executive Roundtables, 1981: A Report on Central Virginia at Work.

In fall 1981, the Central Virginia Community College (CVCC) Board organized five executive roundtable discussions in which representatives of local business and industry, government and social services, and the minority community met with college representatives to evaluate the responsiveness of CVCC to local needs and to assess areas in which the quality of service could be improved. The participants agreed unanimously that CVCC provided essential educational and training services to the community. Suggestions were made, however, to improve and expand services in data processing and other curricular areas; to develop short-courses, workshops and seminars for company representatives; and to provide training in basic and mid-level management skills. The importance of support activities was stressed, especially in the areas of marketing, career guidance, student recruitment, the provision of a sensitive environment for minority students, and flexible scheduling. Two particular problems were felt to require special attention: limitations of financial support which might result in enrollment declines and the cancellation of occupational programs, and the failure to develop a strong recruitment program and adequate support services for poor and minority students. The roundtables resulted in a plan of action for CVCC to follow in increasing its high level of achievement. Appendices provide background on the roundtables and the planning assumptions and goals for CVCC's ten-year master plan. (HB)