Role, *Junior Colleges

Federal-school relations are more than financial; other factors are basic to junior college governance. As higher education shapes our society more strongly, the federal role becomes more visible. Many historical influences have formed the national character--notably a steady rise in the education level. Increased religious and social pluralism and less isolationism have also affected social mobility; status is now judged by skill or knowledge. The government has long fostered this situation by aiding post-secondary schools. The Manpower Development and Training Act and the Higher Education Facilities Act have enabled 2-year colleges to meet some needs of the increased population. As federal aid grows, however, so does its influence on local power structures, overriding institutions based on family, economic, and racial factors and bringing increased guarantees of human rights, more education, and social justice. Considering these issues, the 2-year college must adapt to a pluralistic approach, to community interests rather than to self or special interests. Faculty selection, community and industrial needs, social and athletic programs, academic and vocational courses must all be balanced and the impact of federal money on any one of them noted. Legislation and funds must be directed to developing human resources. Board, administration, and faculty can help by staying attuned to international, national, and community issues and to the proper federal function in education. (HH