The purposes of this study were to analyze curricular changes from 1978 to 1983, to determine current curricular offerings, and to examine projected program needs and influences for the period 1984 to 1988 of the physical education service program at the 58 community college institutions in the state of North Carolina.

Method

Information pertaining to the physical education service program was obtained by mailing a seven-page questionnaire to chairpersons of physical education departments of the 58 community colleges, technical colleges, and technical institutes in the North Carolina Community College System. Questionnaires were returned from individuals at 19 of the 24 community colleges, 28 of the 29 technical colleges, and all 5 of the technical institutes for a combined return rate of 90 percent. Data provided by the questionnaire were tabulated to give raw number totals and percentages for each question. Specific aspects of the service program curriculum analyzed were: (a) course requirements, (b) courses offered, (c) physical education staff, (d) facilities, and (e) program needs and influences.

Results

Physical education service programs were offered at all 18 of the community colleges, 6 of the 22 technical colleges and 1 of the technical institutes that participated in this study. The total of 25 institutions that have a service program represents an increase of 2 (4 percent) since 1978. One of the 27 institutions that did not have a physical education program in 1983 is planning to begin a program by 1988. Participation in physical education is required for students in certain programs at 72 percent of the institutions, a 7 percent increase since 1978. The number of activities offered in 1983 had increased since 1978 with the biggest increase being in individual sports, while the number of team sports offered had decreased. Growth in the physical education programs also included more physical education faculty members and facilities in 1983 than in 1978; however, the need for additional on-campus facilities was reported for 92 percent of the institutions. Growth in the physical education program has paralleled the growth of the North Carolina Community College System itself; department chairpersons report that this growth will continue through at least 1988.