Funding and Administrative Coordination of the Baja Field Studies Program at Glendale Community College during the Years 1974 to 1983: A Historical Investigation

Glendale Community College's (GCC's) Baja Field Studies Program began in 1974 as a faculty-initiated overseas field program in marine biology and developed into a college-wide, interdisciplinary program offering different courses under the leadership of a program coordinator. As changes in funding and administration took place due to the altered condition of the program, it became necessary to determine the historical context of the growth of the program and the manner in which funding and coordination evolved. A search and review of primary sources at the college, along with personal interviews, yielded data on the program's growth and development. This report presents the results of the historical investigation on a year-to-year basis from school year 1973-74 through school year 1982-83. Tables showing program expenditures by year, district funds covering equipment/supplies and instructors' salaries, and student enrollment in all Baja courses per school year are included. Drawing from the study, recommendations are presented to continue the position of program coordinator, to centralize the deposit and accounting of all student-generated funds for the program into one account, to develop contracts with providers of services, and to conduct further research on faculty concerns. Appendices include a list of courses offered in Baja California from 1974 to 1983 showing term offered and class titles, and a copy of the official college description of all courses offered in Baja California during the period. (Author/EJV)