An Institute for College Teachers of Urban Affairs

Abstract

Among the more significant problems of higher educa tion, particularly at the community college level, is continuing education for educators.2 Instructors at small colleges and universities are frequently burdened with heavy teaching loads and administrative responsibilities. As a result, these educators are often confronted with obso lescence arising from their inability to keep current in their academic fields. The problem of obsolescence is compounded by the practice common to smaller institutions of allowing or re quiring instructors to develop programs or courses in sub stantive areas only slightly related to their subject. These two problems combined create a situation which severely hampers the ability of the institution to respond with meaningful and innovative programs for the students and the community. In the area of urban affairs the problems discussed above are particularly acute. The field is characterized by great diversity in subject matter and approach and is extremely dynamic. Thus, it is the unusual instructor in a community or junior college who can perform the multiple responsibil ities required and still keep abreast of developments in ur ban affairs.