Creating a community college: South Oklahoma City Junior College, a case study

Abstract

Scope and Method of Study: This study provides a historical record of legislation used and basic components developed to implement a two-year institution in Oklahoma. Information concerning the creation of South Oklahoma City Junior College, now Oklahoma City Community College, is the basis of the case study. Pertinent legislative initiatives are highlighted as well and the events and individuals responsible for the development and implementation of the institutions. Historical data was collection from document analysis and personal interviews. Presentation of information is in chronological and thematic format. Components cover four basic areas: legislation, funding, facilities and land, and academic plan.

Findings and Conclusions: Findings documented the use of progressive legislative initiatives and unconventional funding options to implement the institution. The community involvement with the development of the institution provided a strong leadership foundation for the new institution to grow. The design of facilities provided flexibility to change as construction progressed, and use a new pre-cast system of walls and support beams to expedite construction of the faculties in a condensed period. The academic format was an independently paced instructional format with a non-punitive grade scale, uncommon to Oklahoma higher education.

A brief analysis using the six-assumptions of the structural/bureaucratic frame defined by Bolman & Deal (2003) was provided. The study's findings presented in chronological format allowed the researcher to look at the data systematically and connect patterns or themes associated with the assumptions of the structural frame. Examples provided in the analysis illustrate SOCJC achievement of large-scale tasks by systematically and rationally completing the steps of developing and implementing a public two-year institution in Oklahoma. Although the institution prides itself on being unique and progressive, the underlying elements of the institution are traditional and structured.