The Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees plays a critical role in the education of hundreds of thousands of adults each year. The Trustees serve as guardians for the Alabama Community College System’s missions and goals, with the Governor serving as chair of the Board by virtue of elected office. Remaining board members are appointed from eight districts, with one statewide member and an ex-officio liaison from the State Board of Education (ACCS Website, September 17, 2019).
Meeting quarterly, board member duties include
- designating rules and regulations for the government of community and technical colleges,
- prescribing the course of study to be offered and the conditions for granting certificates, diplomas and/or degrees,
- accepting gifts, donations, property, and devices for the benefit of community and technical colleges, and
- establishing a performance-based allocation process that is equitable and compatible with the services and programs offered by each individual campus.
Governed by the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees, the Alabama Community College System consists of 23 comprehensive community colleges and technical colleges; Marion Military Institute, one of five junior military colleges in the nation; and the Alabama Technology Network, an extensive workforce development initiative.
The Alabama Community College System’s commitment to access is characterized by statewide geographical locations, open enrollment, and low-cost tuition, as well as a variety of programs and services that remove barriers to college entrance, education pathways, and workforce training opportunities. In addition, thousands of citizens statewide enjoy access to our facilities for community activities and enrichment programs.
The Alabama Community College System is committed to providing a unified system of institutions delivering excellence in academic education, adult education, and workforce development.
The Alabama Community College System provides
- General education and other collegiate programs at the freshman and sophomore levels to prepare students for transfer to four-year institutions to complete baccalaureate degrees.
- Adult Education to focus on improving individuals’ skills, productivity, and training with GED preparation and testing, basic skills, and English as a Second Language.
- Workforce development initiatives to provide customized, flexible, short-term training programs that are responsive to industry needs—from highly specialized training to programs that help prepare entry level employees to meet growing demands.