Administrative Reorganizational Needs in Chicano Studies at Cerritos College.

The Chicano Studies (CS) Program at Cerritos College (California) is administratively recognized but instructionally dependent, with courses offered through four of the college's Divisions. Pressure has been brought to bear by the Citizens' Resource Committee to grant the program administrative autonomy, a separate instructional budget, and a full-time Coordinator. This study examines the reorganizational needs of the CS program in light of these demands and the college situation. Employment trends of part-time and full-time CS instructors and instructor turn-over rates were analyzed. A comparison of part-time instructor attrition in regular and CS sections of the same courses revealed that both exceeded the 33 percent limit regarded as essential for program stability. A descriptive survey of 10 urban community colleges with CS programs in California was conducted; three programs were administratively autonomous, half had independent budgets, and all 10 reported that most classes were taught by full-time faculty. On the basis of the findings, employment of a full-time Coordinator, full-time faculty, and central budget coordination are recommended, but administrative autonomy is not recommended. A review of the literature is included. (BB)