California community colleges' \vision for success\ intended outcomes and challenges according to the perceptions of chancellors and college presidents

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study was to describe the perceptions of chancellors and college presidents regarding the "Vision for Success" of the California Community College system and its impact on student outcomes within their communities. An additional purpose of this study was to identify the challenges that effects the "Vision for Success" and its impact within their communities. The methodology of this study is a qualitative design to explore the information-rich stories of chancellors and college presidents with a semi-structured interview technique to collect data from all of the participants. The data collection and analysis resulted in three major findings: 1) The "Vision for Success" is needed to address existing equity gaps for students of color, 2) There is a need for academic, financial, and social supports to close the achievement gap for underserved students in California community colleges, and 3) California Community College Chancellors and Presidents must examine their structural and cultural practices and policies to address the challenges of implementation of the "Vision for Success" to meet the needs of its student body. The participants agreed that the "Vision for Success" is a north star that addresses equity gaps for students of color within the California community college. The "Vision for Success" provides funding for California Community Colleges to provide students with academic, financial, and social services that are needed for student success. The participants also indicated the "Vision for Success" is a document that chancellors and college presidents must utilize to examine the cultural and structural practices within their organizations to ensure successful outcomes for students of color. Recommendations for future research includes investigating the perceptions of faculty, staff, and students regarding the effectiveness of the "Vision for Success" as it relates to Guided Pathways and the outcomes for students of color.