Program Infomation

The CCEL cohort option is designed to provide a specially selected group of educators with the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to meet the challenges and demands of leadership in the contemporary community college environment. A major strength of the cohort concept is the quality of relationships developed among the group members during the progress of the course work and the network of collegial associations that is formed for a lifetime.

Each course for the CCEL cohort is offered on four intensive weekends during each semester. Most semesters offer two courses (8 weekends). Due to the short duration, summer terms offer one course only. Classes offered during the Fall and Spring terms are delivered during the weekends, from 5 to 9 pm on Fridays and 8 am to 5 pm on Saturdays. Summer format depends on courses offered and may be held during weekdays. Classes meet on the UIUC campus and some courses may be offered via the Internet in part or in total.

To encourage a high level of interaction among cohort members, participants are expected to use e-mail and the Internet to communicate with each other on a regular basis. They are encouraged to attend special campus seminars and workshops focusing on educational leadership. Participants are also invited to attend the annual Community College Leadership Retreat held annually at Allerton Park in the spring of each year where faculty, students, alums, and friends gather to explore current leadership issues and renew friendships.