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• 21. [Article] Rural Community Explorer portal (phase 1) final report

  The Rural Communities Explorer allows community residents and officials, agencies and businesses, universities and philanthropic organizations to access county and community specific information. The specific ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Rural Community Explorer portal (phase 1) final report Author: Salwasser, Janine The Rural Communities Explorer allows community residents and officials, agencies and businesses, universities and philanthropic organizations to access county and community specific information. The specific information developed with this grant for the Explorer included: (1) relevant social, economic, environmental and demographic profiles of each community; and (2) related community-specific spatial/map data, relevant reports and documents, news articles, maps, and photos from the library archives and other sources. The Explorer is designed to permit ease of use by the public with free access to mapping and reporting tools. Title: Rural Community Explorer portal (phase 1) final report Author: Salwasser, Janine The Rural Communities Explorer allows community residents and officials, agencies and businesses, universities and philanthropic organizations to access county and community specific information. The specific information developed with this grant for the Explorer included: (1) relevant social, economic, environmental and demographic profiles of each community; and (2) related community-specific spatial/map data, relevant reports and documents, news articles, maps, and photos from the library archives and other sources. The Explorer is designed to permit ease of use by the public with free access to mapping and reporting tools. Close

• 22. [Article] Crook County, Oregon Community Wildfire Protection Plan

  The Crook County Wildfire Protection Plan documents the community planning process in Crook County and includes the following components: -- Background information on the Community Wildfire Protection ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Crook County, Oregon Community Wildfire Protection Plan Author: Crook County Community Wildfire Protection Plan Committee The Crook County Wildfire Protection Plan documents the community planning process in Crook County and includes the following components: -- Background information on the Community Wildfire Protection Plan purpose and process, community profile information and fire behavior in Crook County; -- Risk assessment of communities and critical infrastructure; -- Recommendations to reduce structural ignitability and address issues associated with unprotected lands within the county; -- Summaries of communities, critical infrastructure, hazard reduction priorities and funding priorities; -- Recommendations for plan implementation, monitoring and annual review to assess and document accomplishment, short-fall, revised initiatives, and to identify new challenges and opportunities for community wildfire planning. Title: Crook County, Oregon Community Wildfire Protection Plan Author: Crook County Community Wildfire Protection Plan Committee The Crook County Wildfire Protection Plan documents the community planning process in Crook County and includes the following components: -- Background information on the Community Wildfire Protection Plan purpose and process, community profile information and fire behavior in Crook County; -- Risk assessment of communities and critical infrastructure; -- Recommendations to reduce structural ignitability and address issues associated with unprotected lands within the county; -- Summaries of communities, critical infrastructure, hazard reduction priorities and funding priorities; -- Recommendations for plan implementation, monitoring and annual review to assess and document accomplishment, short-fall, revised initiatives, and to identify new challenges and opportunities for community wildfire planning. Close

• 23. [Article] Examining Rural Resources and Readiness to Change the Context for Obesity Prevention

  GROW Healthy Kids & Communities aims to prevent obesity in rural children. The project targets changing family home, school, and community environments to support children’s weight healthy behaviors by ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Examining Rural Resources and Readiness to Change the Context for Obesity Prevention Author: Richards, Anne Marie GROW Healthy Kids & Communities aims to prevent obesity in rural children. The project targets changing family home, school, and community environments to support children’s weight healthy behaviors by “default.” My URAP apprenticeship is at the community level studying residents’ perceptions of the healthy eating and activity resources in rural communities and community readiness to improve the contexts for obesity prevention. My role is to learn qualitative research methods and data management. Title: Examining Rural Resources and Readiness to Change the Context for Obesity Prevention Author: Richards, Anne Marie GROW Healthy Kids & Communities aims to prevent obesity in rural children. The project targets changing family home, school, and community environments to support children’s weight healthy behaviors by “default.” My URAP apprenticeship is at the community level studying residents’ perceptions of the healthy eating and activity resources in rural communities and community readiness to improve the contexts for obesity prevention. My role is to learn qualitative research methods and data management. Close

• 24. [Article] Leveraging the Power of Institutional Agents for Students of Color : Understanding the Factors Which Influence Engagement at Community Colleges

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Leveraging the Power of Institutional Agents for Students of Color : Understanding the Factors Which Influence Engagement at Community Colleges Author: Hernandez Chapar, Judith W. Title: Leveraging the Power of Institutional Agents for Students of Color : Understanding the Factors Which Influence Engagement at Community Colleges Author: Hernandez Chapar, Judith W. Close

• 25. [Article] Arthropod community organization and development in pear

  Arthropod communities in pear are conceptualized as hierarchically organized systems in which several levels of organization or subsystems can be recognized between the species population level and the ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Arthropod community organization and development in pear Author: Gut, Larry J. Arthropod communities in pear are conceptualized as hierarchically organized systems in which several levels of organization or subsystems can be recognized between the species population level and the community as a whole. An individual tree is taken to be the community habitat with arthropod subcommunities developing on leaf, fruit and wood subcommunity habitats. Over a hundred species are reported to colonize one or more subcommunity habitats. Each subcommunity is composed of trophically organized systems of populations. Each system of populations is comprised of a guild of arthropods that use the habitat primarily for feeding but also for overwintering or egg deposition, and associated guilds of specialized predators, parasitoids and hyperparasitoids. Understanding community organization entails understanding how subsystems and their environments interact so as to be incorporated into a unified whole. Along with the relatively specialized interrelationships so important in organizing systems of populations, higher level community subsystems are coupled through the activities of phytophagous and predaceous generalists which feed in or take their prey from more than one subcommunity. In meeting the habitat requirements of each of its life history stages, several members of the pear community move from one subcommunity to another during the course of community development and serve to integrate these subsystems. Additional habitat, trophic and life history aspects of subsystem incorporation and interpenetration are discussed. Community development or change in organization through time is conceptualized as being jointly determined by the development of the habitat and the organization of the species pool. Seasonal development of the pear arthropod community is described in terms of changes in the species composition, size, and spatial distribution of guilds and subcommunities. Community habitat development is taken to be the primary determinant of changes in community structure and organization. As the season progresses, changes in the kinds and biomass of developmental states of each subcommunity habitat are accompanied by changes in the kinds, number or biomass, and distribution of associated community subsystems. Although the influence of habitat development on community development is emphasized, it is from the the species pool that arthropods colonize pear. The species that colonize, and their abundance and time of arrival is partially determined by the organization of this system of communities. Title: Arthropod community organization and development in pear Author: Gut, Larry J. Arthropod communities in pear are conceptualized as hierarchically organized systems in which several levels of organization or subsystems can be recognized between the species population level and the community as a whole. An individual tree is taken to be the community habitat with arthropod subcommunities developing on leaf, fruit and wood subcommunity habitats. Over a hundred species are reported to colonize one or more subcommunity habitats. Each subcommunity is composed of trophically organized systems of populations. Each system of populations is comprised of a guild of arthropods that use the habitat primarily for feeding but also for overwintering or egg deposition, and associated guilds of specialized predators, parasitoids and hyperparasitoids. Understanding community organization entails understanding how subsystems and their environments interact so as to be incorporated into a unified whole. Along with the relatively specialized interrelationships so important in organizing systems of populations, higher level community subsystems are coupled through the activities of phytophagous and predaceous generalists which feed in or take their prey from more than one subcommunity. In meeting the habitat requirements of each of its life history stages, several members of the pear community move from one subcommunity to another during the course of community development and serve to integrate these subsystems. Additional habitat, trophic and life history aspects of subsystem incorporation and interpenetration are discussed. Community development or change in organization through time is conceptualized as being jointly determined by the development of the habitat and the organization of the species pool. Seasonal development of the pear arthropod community is described in terms of changes in the species composition, size, and spatial distribution of guilds and subcommunities. Community habitat development is taken to be the primary determinant of changes in community structure and organization. As the season progresses, changes in the kinds and biomass of developmental states of each subcommunity habitat are accompanied by changes in the kinds, number or biomass, and distribution of associated community subsystems. Although the influence of habitat development on community development is emphasized, it is from the the species pool that arthropods colonize pear. The species that colonize, and their abundance and time of arrival is partially determined by the organization of this system of communities. Close

• 26. [Article] Community well-being and Forest Service policy : re-examining the sustained yield unit

  Sustained yield units (SYU' s), implemented around 1950, required that National Forest timber harvested from a designated area had to be processed in a specific local community. Six units were created ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Community well-being and Forest Service policy : re-examining the sustained yield unit Author: Cheek, Kristin Aldred Sustained yield units (SYU' s), implemented around 1950, required that National Forest timber harvested from a designated area had to be processed in a specific local community. Six units were created for the purpose of promoting community stability, a concept often measured in economic terms. Forest policies designed to aid communities have moved away from SYU's. Today's policies include a broader notion of community well-being, and emphasize nurturing a community's internal ability to accomplish its goals. Still, some communities are asking that the SYU idea be revisited. A qualitative, exploratory study of the Lakeview (Oregon) and Big Valley (California) units was undertaken. The overall objective of the study was to provide insight into whether or not the sustained yield unit policy would be effective in meeting current objectives for forest-based communities. It was also intended to add to our knowledge of the relationship between forest policies and forest-based communities. Interviews were conducted with key informants in the two study areas. Data from interviews were supplemented with data from existing sources. The main theme that emerged from the Lakeview unit was that the SYU had interacted with other factors in the community to improve the local quality of life. Respondents identified many positive relationships between the SYU and local services, businesses, and community involvement. At the same time, they emphasized that the communities in the unit had many positive attributes prior to the establishment of the unit and that these attributes also had a positive influence on the local quality of life. The data did not show evidence that the SYTJ "created," for example, social capital. What was already in place in the local community was a key factor. The main theme that emerged from interviews with Big Valley residents was that the SYU enabled the valley to maintain a mill. The SYU had done so by protecting the local mill from competition. Big Valley respondents described a fairly simple relationship between the SYU, the maintenance of the mill, and associated employment and income provided because the mill was still in business. Some of the perceptions respondents held regarding changes in or the health of their communities were compared to quantitative data. The perceptions and quantitative indicators were not consistent. These comparisons suggested that either people's perceptions were not accurate, or that more appropriate quantitative indicators, which correspond to the same phenomenon people discussed, need to be identified. Still, people's perceptions are considered important sources of information. Results from the study indicate that sustained yield units have at least the potential to contribute positively to community well-being. However, the effects of SYU's are best looked at in the context of many other factors that are a part of the local community, as well as larger external factors affecting the community. Baseline conditions, changing conditions, and the SYU all interact and influence community well-being. This study points to several areas for further research, such as comparing the development of SYU and non-SYU communities. It also points to the need to understand the relationship between the perceptions of forest-based communities' residents and the quantitative indicators often used by researchers when studying change in these communities. Title: Community well-being and Forest Service policy : re-examining the sustained yield unit Author: Cheek, Kristin Aldred Sustained yield units (SYU' s), implemented around 1950, required that National Forest timber harvested from a designated area had to be processed in a specific local community. Six units were created for the purpose of promoting community stability, a concept often measured in economic terms. Forest policies designed to aid communities have moved away from SYU's. Today's policies include a broader notion of community well-being, and emphasize nurturing a community's internal ability to accomplish its goals. Still, some communities are asking that the SYU idea be revisited. A qualitative, exploratory study of the Lakeview (Oregon) and Big Valley (California) units was undertaken. The overall objective of the study was to provide insight into whether or not the sustained yield unit policy would be effective in meeting current objectives for forest-based communities. It was also intended to add to our knowledge of the relationship between forest policies and forest-based communities. Interviews were conducted with key informants in the two study areas. Data from interviews were supplemented with data from existing sources. The main theme that emerged from the Lakeview unit was that the SYU had interacted with other factors in the community to improve the local quality of life. Respondents identified many positive relationships between the SYU and local services, businesses, and community involvement. At the same time, they emphasized that the communities in the unit had many positive attributes prior to the establishment of the unit and that these attributes also had a positive influence on the local quality of life. The data did not show evidence that the SYTJ "created," for example, social capital. What was already in place in the local community was a key factor. The main theme that emerged from interviews with Big Valley residents was that the SYU enabled the valley to maintain a mill. The SYU had done so by protecting the local mill from competition. Big Valley respondents described a fairly simple relationship between the SYU, the maintenance of the mill, and associated employment and income provided because the mill was still in business. Some of the perceptions respondents held regarding changes in or the health of their communities were compared to quantitative data. The perceptions and quantitative indicators were not consistent. These comparisons suggested that either people's perceptions were not accurate, or that more appropriate quantitative indicators, which correspond to the same phenomenon people discussed, need to be identified. Still, people's perceptions are considered important sources of information. Results from the study indicate that sustained yield units have at least the potential to contribute positively to community well-being. However, the effects of SYU's are best looked at in the context of many other factors that are a part of the local community, as well as larger external factors affecting the community. Baseline conditions, changing conditions, and the SYU all interact and influence community well-being. This study points to several areas for further research, such as comparing the development of SYU and non-SYU communities. It also points to the need to understand the relationship between the perceptions of forest-based communities' residents and the quantitative indicators often used by researchers when studying change in these communities. Close

• 27. [Article] Assessing community capacity in Rural America: some lessons from two rural observatories

  Building community capacity is a central concern of both policymakers and community residents. Both want to understand why some communities are more successful in achieving positive social, economic and ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Assessing community capacity in Rural America: some lessons from two rural observatories Author: Marre, Alexander, Weber, Bruce Building community capacity is a central concern of both policymakers and community residents. Both want to understand why some communities are more successful in achieving positive social, economic and environmental outcomes, and how to increase the capacity of communities to achieve these outcomes. This is particularly true in communities that face the most difficult economic challenges: central cities of large metropolitan areas and remote rural communities. Most attempts to define, assess and build community capacity, however, have been undertaken in urban neighborhoods. While there is much to learn from these studies of urban places, there are distinctive characteristics and dynamics of rural communities that introduce unique challenges to the assessment and building of community capacity. Two efforts to study rural communities and assess their “capacity” in rural North America are reviewed in this paper: the New Rural Economy (NRE) Rural Observatory of the Canadian Rural Revitalization Foundation and the social capital community assessments of rural Central Oregon communities in the Ventures Program funded by the Northwest Area Foundation. The NRE Rural Observatory, initiated in 1998, is a university-based research effort that involves contractual commitments with 23 rural communities in Canada – selected to represent the diversity of rural places in Canada along several dimensions – to monitor social and economic change and governance in these places. The Ventures Program, initiated in 1999, is a foundation/community partnership program that establishes long-term (10-year) commitments in 5 rural areas in the Western United States in order to encourage poverty-reduction strategies that will yield long-term impact. The project included assessments of community life in each of the participating communities using the Social Capital Community Benchmark Surveys. This paper reviews literature on community capacity and related concepts, then examines the New Rural Economy Rural Observatory and community social capital assessments of Central Oregon Ventures program for lessons that can inform the understanding of these concepts in the rural United States. Drawing on publications and reports from these programs and input from the principals, the paper focuses on the criteria used to select rural communities, local participation in project design and data collection, and the measures used to assess community capacity in the projects. The goal is to generate knowledge leading to policies supportive of sustainable rural places. Title: Assessing community capacity in Rural America: some lessons from two rural observatories Author: Marre, Alexander, Weber, Bruce Building community capacity is a central concern of both policymakers and community residents. Both want to understand why some communities are more successful in achieving positive social, economic and environmental outcomes, and how to increase the capacity of communities to achieve these outcomes. This is particularly true in communities that face the most difficult economic challenges: central cities of large metropolitan areas and remote rural communities. Most attempts to define, assess and build community capacity, however, have been undertaken in urban neighborhoods. While there is much to learn from these studies of urban places, there are distinctive characteristics and dynamics of rural communities that introduce unique challenges to the assessment and building of community capacity. Two efforts to study rural communities and assess their “capacity” in rural North America are reviewed in this paper: the New Rural Economy (NRE) Rural Observatory of the Canadian Rural Revitalization Foundation and the social capital community assessments of rural Central Oregon communities in the Ventures Program funded by the Northwest Area Foundation. The NRE Rural Observatory, initiated in 1998, is a university-based research effort that involves contractual commitments with 23 rural communities in Canada – selected to represent the diversity of rural places in Canada along several dimensions – to monitor social and economic change and governance in these places. The Ventures Program, initiated in 1999, is a foundation/community partnership program that establishes long-term (10-year) commitments in 5 rural areas in the Western United States in order to encourage poverty-reduction strategies that will yield long-term impact. The project included assessments of community life in each of the participating communities using the Social Capital Community Benchmark Surveys. This paper reviews literature on community capacity and related concepts, then examines the New Rural Economy Rural Observatory and community social capital assessments of Central Oregon Ventures program for lessons that can inform the understanding of these concepts in the rural United States. Drawing on publications and reports from these programs and input from the principals, the paper focuses on the criteria used to select rural communities, local participation in project design and data collection, and the measures used to assess community capacity in the projects. The goal is to generate knowledge leading to policies supportive of sustainable rural places. Close

• 28. [Article] Barriers to Community Involvement across Rural and Urban Communities

  Many communities emphasize participatory involvement in local development or reinvention efforts. Recognizing barriers among specific groups could help community leaders identify what may be constraining ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Barriers to Community Involvement across Rural and Urban Communities Author: Torgerson, Melissa Many communities emphasize participatory involvement in local development or reinvention efforts. Recognizing barriers among specific groups could help community leaders identify what may be constraining underrepresented groups from joining in. Utilizing data from the Social Capital Benchmark Survey, this research examined identified “barriers” to community involvement among individuals in rural and urban areas. Results indicated that while rurality reduced perceived obstacles among the general population, particular characteristics uniquely impact the way individuals identify barriers to community involvement within rural and urban places. This analysis not only identifies targeted barriers for communities to address, but also highlights areas where further placebased research could be beneficial. Title: Barriers to Community Involvement across Rural and Urban Communities Author: Torgerson, Melissa Many communities emphasize participatory involvement in local development or reinvention efforts. Recognizing barriers among specific groups could help community leaders identify what may be constraining underrepresented groups from joining in. Utilizing data from the Social Capital Benchmark Survey, this research examined identified “barriers” to community involvement among individuals in rural and urban areas. Results indicated that while rurality reduced perceived obstacles among the general population, particular characteristics uniquely impact the way individuals identify barriers to community involvement within rural and urban places. This analysis not only identifies targeted barriers for communities to address, but also highlights areas where further placebased research could be beneficial. Close

• 29. [Article] Legislators' perceptions about community colleges' use of alternative funding sources to solve budget shortfalls

  The purpose of this study was to discern the nature of legislators' perceptions about community colleges' abilities to generate revenues through alternative funding sources and the resultant effects on ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Legislators' perceptions about community colleges' use of alternative funding sources to solve budget shortfalls Author: Klimes, Debra S.E. The purpose of this study was to discern the nature of legislators' perceptions about community colleges' abilities to generate revenues through alternative funding sources and the resultant effects on state allocations to these colleges. Selected community college-related staff members and legislative staff members in Idaho and Oregon were asked to independently name three to five Idaho and Oregon legislators whom they perceived as having the most influence on community college funding. Out of the sixteen legislators who were nominated, eight were selected to participate in the study. The research identified: (a) important factors that influence legislative decision making which community colleges may affect, and (b) expectations of legislators about community colleges' abilities to acquire alternative funding and the purposes for seeking alternative funds. The following were specific findings of the study: Alternative Funding is a Given The pressure to find alternative funding for community colleges is likely to continue. Seeking alternative funding will be expected in the future by legislators even in good financial times; community college administrators should plan to invest in this process for the long run. Collegial Relationships Among Legislators A significant implication for practice from this research was the impact various individual relationships had on legislators. Legislators in the study described how trusting relationships with key people were integral to the input they obtained and considered in making funding decisions. These relationships included: (a) community college presidents and staff, (b) their colleagues, (c) legislative staff, and (d) agency staff. Community Colleges Must Let Legislators Know What They Want and Plan Ahead Legislators wanted community colleges to be forthcoming about what their long term fiscal and legislative needs, and legislators wanted them presented in priority order. Knowing community colleges' strategic goals and what their long-term plans were for at least five years could help legislators understand the larger fiscal picture and provide a better sense of where the future of community colleges was in their states. In turn, legislators could be watching for funding opportunities for community colleges, inform community colleges about consequences of plans they were making, and help community colleges do better problem-solving as issues occur. Educational Systems Need to Unify Toward the Common Goal Legislators were looking for funding solutions across the educational system. Legislators noted that they would have more confidence in the validity of the requests made of them if education entities -- K-12, community colleges, four-year colleges, and universities – showed the legislators that they were working together as a unified group. According to one legislator, educational institutions need to "marry" across systems so they'll "gain political strength." When systems plan strategically together, legislators are more likely to understand and plan for their needs. The legislators in this study exhibited similar decision making styles, perceptions of community college funding, and expectations about community colleges' responsibilities for acquiring alternative funding to make up for funding shortfalls. Title: Legislators' perceptions about community colleges' use of alternative funding sources to solve budget shortfalls Author: Klimes, Debra S.E. The purpose of this study was to discern the nature of legislators' perceptions about community colleges' abilities to generate revenues through alternative funding sources and the resultant effects on state allocations to these colleges. Selected community college-related staff members and legislative staff members in Idaho and Oregon were asked to independently name three to five Idaho and Oregon legislators whom they perceived as having the most influence on community college funding. Out of the sixteen legislators who were nominated, eight were selected to participate in the study. The research identified: (a) important factors that influence legislative decision making which community colleges may affect, and (b) expectations of legislators about community colleges' abilities to acquire alternative funding and the purposes for seeking alternative funds. The following were specific findings of the study: Alternative Funding is a Given The pressure to find alternative funding for community colleges is likely to continue. Seeking alternative funding will be expected in the future by legislators even in good financial times; community college administrators should plan to invest in this process for the long run. Collegial Relationships Among Legislators A significant implication for practice from this research was the impact various individual relationships had on legislators. Legislators in the study described how trusting relationships with key people were integral to the input they obtained and considered in making funding decisions. These relationships included: (a) community college presidents and staff, (b) their colleagues, (c) legislative staff, and (d) agency staff. Community Colleges Must Let Legislators Know What They Want and Plan Ahead Legislators wanted community colleges to be forthcoming about what their long term fiscal and legislative needs, and legislators wanted them presented in priority order. Knowing community colleges' strategic goals and what their long-term plans were for at least five years could help legislators understand the larger fiscal picture and provide a better sense of where the future of community colleges was in their states. In turn, legislators could be watching for funding opportunities for community colleges, inform community colleges about consequences of plans they were making, and help community colleges do better problem-solving as issues occur. Educational Systems Need to Unify Toward the Common Goal Legislators were looking for funding solutions across the educational system. Legislators noted that they would have more confidence in the validity of the requests made of them if education entities -- K-12, community colleges, four-year colleges, and universities – showed the legislators that they were working together as a unified group. According to one legislator, educational institutions need to "marry" across systems so they'll "gain political strength." When systems plan strategically together, legislators are more likely to understand and plan for their needs. The legislators in this study exhibited similar decision making styles, perceptions of community college funding, and expectations about community colleges' responsibilities for acquiring alternative funding to make up for funding shortfalls. Close

• 30. [Article] The role of Oregon community colleges in economic development as perceived by community college faculty and administrators and the business community which they serve

  Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate areas of consensus and differences among Oregon community college faculty, administrators, and their business community on the desired role of the ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The role of Oregon community colleges in economic development as perceived by community college faculty and administrators and the business community which they serve Author: Kingry, Larry Kit Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate areas of consensus and differences among Oregon community college faculty, administrators, and their business community on the desired role of the community college and the perceived current role in economic development as defined by selected economic development activities. Methods and Procedures: Twenty-three economic development activities were identified in a review of the literature that were useful in defining the role of community colleges in economic development. Mail out survey instruments were constructed utilizing the twenty-three activities. Respondents were asked to rate each activity as to the level of emphasis that was presently occurring and to the level of importance that it should be emphasized in the community college. Data were collected from 288 individuals representing four groups (full-time faculty, part-time faculty, administrators, and business community members). Subjects were randomly selected from two community college classifications (small community colleges and large community colleges) in proportion to their group's representation in the population, and from the business population geographically located in the corresponding community college service districts. ANOVA statistical tests, t-tests and rank order analysis were the methods used to analyze the data for interpretation. Findings and Conclusions: There was a high degree of consensus among the administrator, full-time faculty, part-time faculty, and business community groups as to the current emphasis and desired emphasis on the twenty-three selected economic development activities in Oregon community colleges. When perceptual differences occurred among the four groups on what was occurring and what should be occurring, in relation to the selected economic development activities, administrators and full-time faculty tended to respond alike. Likewise, the part-time faculty and the business community tended to respond alike. The administrators and business community responded differently more than any other paired group. All groups tended to support the view that the community colleges should be placing more importance on the selected economic development activities than what was occurring. Vocational faculty and nonvocational faculty tended to perceive the same level of importance of the selected economic development activities. There was an obvious discrepancy between the lack of knowledge expressed by the business community and part-time faculty versus the greater knowledge expressed by the community college administrators and full-time faculty on the community colleges' activity in performing the economic development role. Title: The role of Oregon community colleges in economic development as perceived by community college faculty and administrators and the business community which they serve Author: Kingry, Larry Kit Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate areas of consensus and differences among Oregon community college faculty, administrators, and their business community on the desired role of the community college and the perceived current role in economic development as defined by selected economic development activities. Methods and Procedures: Twenty-three economic development activities were identified in a review of the literature that were useful in defining the role of community colleges in economic development. Mail out survey instruments were constructed utilizing the twenty-three activities. Respondents were asked to rate each activity as to the level of emphasis that was presently occurring and to the level of importance that it should be emphasized in the community college. Data were collected from 288 individuals representing four groups (full-time faculty, part-time faculty, administrators, and business community members). Subjects were randomly selected from two community college classifications (small community colleges and large community colleges) in proportion to their group's representation in the population, and from the business population geographically located in the corresponding community college service districts. ANOVA statistical tests, t-tests and rank order analysis were the methods used to analyze the data for interpretation. Findings and Conclusions: There was a high degree of consensus among the administrator, full-time faculty, part-time faculty, and business community groups as to the current emphasis and desired emphasis on the twenty-three selected economic development activities in Oregon community colleges. When perceptual differences occurred among the four groups on what was occurring and what should be occurring, in relation to the selected economic development activities, administrators and full-time faculty tended to respond alike. Likewise, the part-time faculty and the business community tended to respond alike. The administrators and business community responded differently more than any other paired group. All groups tended to support the view that the community colleges should be placing more importance on the selected economic development activities than what was occurring. Vocational faculty and nonvocational faculty tended to perceive the same level of importance of the selected economic development activities. There was an obvious discrepancy between the lack of knowledge expressed by the business community and part-time faculty versus the greater knowledge expressed by the community college administrators and full-time faculty on the community colleges' activity in performing the economic development role. Close