elcome back to a new school year! We here at Extra are starting
the academic year off with an especially strong issue of our webzine.
The mix of essays and articles in this month's edition are especially
eclectic, which reflects our increasing range of diversity in terms of
authorship and readership, as well. As always, I would like to thank our
staff of editors, our AEQ sponsors and supporters, our faculty advisor,
Ben Varner, and all of our loyal contributors and readers. We continue
this work for and because of you!

Here's what's in store for you: Linda Hagedorn frames this month's issue
with her review of a community college leadership meeting, attended by
many California community college administrators. She conducted this
meeting within the bounds of USC's higher education conference, held this
summer at the main campus, entitled "Higher Education for a New Century."
Attended by invitation only, the discussion that took place among
community college presidents is transcribed in Linda's piece for your
enjoyment and enrichment.

Also included in this month's issue are several pieces that deal with
the craft of writing. First, we must apologize to our own Meredith
Larson, whose article on grammar pedagogy was mistakenly omitted from
the July/August issue. We wish you a happy birthday this month,
Meredith, and promise to avoid such errors and miscommunications in
the future. Ah, the perils of conducting and managing an entire
scholarly publication on-line! Peg Tittle is once again featured this
month with a very informative article on writing and its relationship
to teaching and learning. Ronda Wood reviews the CAT nursing exam and
its benefits/drawbacks for potential students. Our own Justin Ober
articulates the tensions between public and private education. Maureen
has written a lively review of Angela's Ashes, a book that has made its
way into many classrooms of late. A USC undergraduate, Sarah Kelly,
poignantly declares that students should explore many career options
before deciding on a life's purpose. Sister Janet Duffy of Mount St.
Mary's College includes her syllabus on college management. And last,
but perhaps not least, I have included my own musings on teaching 8th
grade for the first time this summer as part of a school-to-college
program at a local community college (where I was once a student, not
so many years ago).

Take care, relax, and get ready to greet many new and familiar faces
as the semester begins and we all return to the task of teaching,
learning and researching. May this month's issue inspire you to recall
why you entered this profession in the first place.

All the best for a rewarding semester or quarter,
Athena