One Size Does Not Fit All: Compliance Tools for Nonresidential Community Colleges

Community colleges are challenged by at least three high-priority issues: the pressure to improve completion and graduation rates, budget challenges, and declining enrollments. Yet all institutions of higher education must comply with federal mandates regarding Title IX, the Violence Against Women Act, and the Clery Act. This product dissertation provides two surveys and a training session designed to assist with compliance, enhance safety and security, and improve the campus climate. One survey is aimed at gathering baseline data from faculty and staff regarding their level of understanding of compliance requirements and their preferred training modalities. A campus climate survey for students provides actionable data that community college leaders can use to spark meaningful improvement in the institution’s environment. A brief training program in creating a culture of reporting encourages faculty, staff, and students to take a proactive approach to improving safety and security on campus.