Community College Leadership
Certificate
Inspire. Motivate. Influence.
Are you interested in pursuing a leadership role at a community college? If so, the Community College Leadership Certificate (CCLC) will prepare you to do just that! Individuals who are in, or aspire to, an instructional leadership appointment or a senior administrative position will find this program enhances their personal and professional advancement.
The CCLC program focuses on the instructional mission of the community college and is designed for individuals already employed at a community college. The Certificate can be completed as a stand-alone credential or in conjunction with an Ed.D degree. Students who complete the Certificate as a stand-alone credential and subsequently apply for and are admitted to an Ed.D degree program may request that the credit hours completed in the Certificate program be accepted in a graduate program of study. Acceptance of the credits earned in the Certificate program requires Office of Graduate Studies and supervisory committee approval and is not guaranteed.
The Community College Leadership Certificate (CCLC) is comprised of three components. The university component includes a set of five courses that develop the knowledge and capabilities for effective leadership of the community college. The five courses are designed individually and collectively to cover the key areas of information and skills needed to lead community colleges in a rapidly changing environment. The second component includes involvement in professional associations related to the community college. The first and second components address a broad range of capabilities, we believe that enhancing leadership skills is best realized through personalized mentorship.
The Third Component: The Nebraska Difference
As part of the certificate experience, we encourage and expect CCLC participants to continue their learning through the support of an institutional mentor who will work with the participant to structure specific professional development opportunities for the participant. We refer to this as the The Nebraska Difference. Our learners are supported to advance further in knowledge and professional development with the assistance of an institutional sponsor or mentor with whom they can discuss aspects from both the UNL coursework and the professional development activity as they pertain to the employing institution.
Our participants learn the knowledge and skills needed for community college leadership with others who are similarly situated. This cohort-like model provides an immediate network of professional colleagues to learn with and from, along with our faculty, whose area of focus is the community college.
Nebraska higher education leaders engage in Effective and Informed Administrative Practice and Lifelong Learning.
Nebraska higher education leaders engage in Equitable, Scholarly, and Reflective Practice.
Nebraska higher education leaders Communicate and Collaborate Effectively, promoting diversity and inclusive learning environments.
Our Unique Program
Award-Winning Faculty
- Students learn from faculty who conduct and share leading research on issues related to the community college. These scholars have dedicated their careers to researching community college environments, organizational change and student equity in community colleges and embedding undergraduate research at community colleges.
- Students also learn from faculty with real world experience as community college administrators, and executive directors of national councils supporting the work of instructional administrators and community college research.
Individual Attention
- Students’ learning is enhanced by the support of an institutional mentor who structures specific professional development opportunities.
- Students have access to a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach who will work to prepare personal development plans around their unique talents.
Extra Opportunities
Learning Opportunities
- As a participant in the CCLC you will be connected to instructional administrators throughout the United States through access to the National Council of Instructional Administrators (NCIA), and
- Receive access to workshops each summer facilitated by the NCIA Board
Three Components, One Certificate – good to go!
Component One
The Community College Leadership Certificate (CCLC) is comprised of three components. The first component includes a set of five courses that develop the knowledge and capabilities for effective leadership of the community college. The five courses are designed individually and collectively to cover the key areas of knowledge and skills needed to lead community colleges in a rapidly changing environment. While addressing a broad range of capabilities, we believe that leadership cannot be developed based on what can be learned in college courses alone.
Component Two
The second component includes involvement in professional associations related to the community college. As part of the certificate experience, we encourage and expect CCLC participants to continue their learning through opportunities for further development afforded by membership in professional networks and associations or by participation in institutional or community-based leadership initiatives.
Many institutions and states now have “grow your own” leadership programs. In a number of communities, there are leadership programs sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce or some other entity. Numerous community college organizations and associations have professional development seminars or institutes—too many for us to name them all. Each CCLC participant will be assigned an advisor and in consultation with the advisor a professional development activity will be agreed upon.
Component Three
The final component involves institutional support to develop leaders. CCLC participants must be currently employed at a community college, and have an institutional sponsor or mentor with whom they can discuss aspects from both the UNL coursework and the professional development activity as they pertain to the employing institution.
Having an institutional sponsor, a person who the CCLC participant can discuss assignments from the UNL courses and the professional development participation is considered a minimum. An institutional mentor, going beyond a sponsor to include discussions of how the CCLC participant can further their leadership development, allowing the CCLC participant to shadow them in their leadership roles, or providing opportunities for the CCLC participant to gain administrative and leadership experience is preferred.
**In order to be awarded the certificate, participants must complete each of the three required components.
Courses
Course Sequence
Offered Fall Courses
- EDAD 923 The Community/Junior College Designed particularly for those interested in upper secondary and college levels. Junior college movement; relationship of movement to provisions for an adequate educational program; functions of the junior college; legal status and basis for extension of junior college; problems of organization, administration, and curriculum.
- Credit Hours: 3
- Credit Hours: 3
- EDAD 935 Workforce & Economic Development Workforce, economic and community development role of higher education within the broader context of recent economic, social, and technological changes in communities, society, and the economy. Applicable to higher education in general with an emphasis on the example of two-year community colleges.
- Credit Hours: 3
Offered Spring Courses
- EDAD 912B Issues in CC Leadership Issues facing community college leaders and the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to provide effective leadership in the community college setting. Case studies of community colleges, combined with the literature on community college leadership, and active learning opportunities to examine current practices and develop a personal philosophy of leadership.
- Credit Hours: 3
- Credit Hours: 3
- EDAD 936 Higher Education Planning Rationale for planning in a changing environment will be explored; the theoretical base for planning presented; strategic, futuristic planning and operational planning explored; the development of planning strategies, techniques and procedures; the process of evaluation, feedback and revisions explored; and the management of the change process analyzed.
- Credit Hours: 3
Offered Summer Courses
- EDAD 934 Teaching and Learning in Community Colleges Develop comprehensive understanding of five aspects of the community college: Curricular missions in general education, transfer education, career education, remedial/developmental education and community education; faculty and student populations; exemplary teaching and assessment of student learning outcomes; program and curriculum development; and human resources aspects related to instructional programs in hiring faculty and providing faculty development programs.
- Credit Hours: 3
"This program measured up to my expectations and then some! I entered every class with the hope to glean information and incorporate it into both my job description and future growth. I made connections with community organizations through projects and how they foster the growth process within the community and college setting; while at the same time, giving me opportunities to collaborate within several college departments. Community Colleges are a vital necessity to serve the needs of our communities and this program helps to identify both the needs and possible solutions. I am grateful to have had this experience. I highly recommend the Community College Leadership Certificate program."
Ruth Kirkland, Learning Center Manager at Central Community College
Application Process
Certification Programs have rolling admission.
This certificate is for individuals already employed at a community college who are in, or aspire to, an instructional leadership appointment or a senior administrative position. This certificate can be completed as a stand-alone credential or in conjunction with an Ed.D degree.
Graduate Admission Requirements
- Application for Admission with $50 non-refundable application fee.
- One set of transcripts.
- If the student’s native language is not English, verification of English proficiency is required.
- If International: upload copies of all college- or university-level transcripts or mark sheets (records of courses and marks earned), with certificates, diplomas, and degrees plus certified English translations.
- **Official documents are required from all students who are admitted and enroll. Photocopies of certified records are not acceptable. International students enrolled in other U.S. institutions may have certified copies of all foreign records sent directly to the Office of Graduate Studies by their current school’s registrar office.
- If applicant is not a US citizen and expects an F or J visa: financial information.
- Applicants must also fulfill any additional requirements the department specifies at the time of application.
Major Admission Requirements
- Applicants must be employed at a Community College or a 2-year college/university at the time of application. It is preferred that applicants will maintain this employment while enrolled in this certificate program.
