Introduction

On June 12, 2009, community college faculty and administrators participated in a Capacity Building Seminar for Community Colleges with Peace and Conflict Studies Programs in Cleveland, Ohio hosted by Global Issues Resource Center, Cuyahoga Community College. Attendees included those who currently support programs in conflict resolution/management and peace and/or justice studies. They shared examples and models for capacity building for related programs. One of the expressed goals of this seminar was to create a “How to” manual on key topics as a resource for those in the development or expansion process for degree or certificate programs in conflict, peace or justice studies. This manual is a product of a collaboration in which lessons learned are shared on developing programs, certificates, and degrees in the field for community colleges. It is a resource for faculty and administrators authored by faculty and administrators.

The chapters submitted reflect a range of approaches and writing styles – some informal, others more rigorous. The authors generally approached topics in a generic way providing recommendations that could be used in a range of institutions. Some pieces reflect looking at one institution and its efforts in a case study approach and then focusing on lessons learned. Overall, the chapters demonstrate the range of strategies that community colleges – arguably the most diverse and varied academic institutions in the U.S. today – are taking to teaching about peace and conflict issues. As such, the writing is reflective of the topics and settings they arise from.