COLLEGE AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS
This chapter reviews the community involvement function of the Houston Community College System (HCCS) in the following sections:
- A. Community and Alumni Involvement
- B. Corporate Training and Continuing Education
- C. Marketing and Public Information
- D. HCC-TV
- E. Public Service
- F. Art Galleries
BACKGROUND
College and community relations encompass a broad spectrum of functions that include:
- building partnerships with businesses and organizations in the community;
- using foundations as a means of enhancing and enlarging the programs offered at the institution;
- establishing alumni organizations to keep former students involved with the college system;
- sharing information with the community through the use of printed and electronic communications;
- fostering positive relationships with local media;
- creating a culture that values public service;
- working effectively with governmental agencies;
- involving community businesses and individuals with the college system by offering personal and professional development opportunities through corporate training and continuing education courses and programs; and
- allowing public access to museums and art galleries.
Responsibility for these functions is often dispersed among various departments and employees throughout a college system. Some functions should be a systemwide prerogative, while authority for other functions is more appropriately delegated to the college level where there exists a more intimate knowledge of the respective markets each college serves. A system of checks and balances and clear lines of communication must exist in order for the collaborative efforts of the system and its constituent colleges to result in a truly effective community involvement program.