Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this study was to describe the partnering process between administrators in California community colleges and universities that resulted in baccalaureate programs being hosted on college campuses. Methodology. The design of this study was descriptive research using the multiple case study method. From a population of twenty-four colleges that currently host university degree programs, the researcher chose six community colleges in California. The methodology involved both personal interviews and an online questionnaire. Seven theoretical constructs dealing with system processes provided the foundation for this research. Findings. Persistence by college administrators in seeking a willing public partner must be matched with a willingness to cooperate and fund a joint venture. Integrated planning is necessary among stakeholder groups to find partners. Having an entrepreneurial approach to choosing partners will speed up the initiation process. There is a need for integrated planning in academic, student, and administrative services to improve the program delivery. Experience in interorganizational partnering can lead to reforms via legislation. Higher education partnering can enable sustainable growth for the community and aid colleges in achieving master plan goals. Conclusions. Because limited opportunities for baccalaureate completion exist for individuals in some communities at the very moment when the Information Age requires lifelong learning and workforce upgrading, the popularity of baccalaureate hosting has grown. This study documented the key factors that determined readiness and ability of college administrators to partner with public and private universities. Numerous positive impacts to the colleges were documented. Implications for action. Practitioners should become familiar with the benefits, critical factors, and interrelationships that are found to be key in developing these types of hosting relationships. They should use the best practices findings identified in the study as the basis for assessing their own organizational readiness and capacity for successful partnering. This will enable administrators to make these living networks stronger.