The purpose of A STUDY OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ADVISORY COMMITTEES IN VIRGINIA COMMUNITY COLLEGES was to determine the effectiveness of advisory committees within the Virginia Community College system. How effective or ineffective these committees are being used has an effect on the programs within each college division. Data were gathered by means of a survey instrument which was developed and mailed to each community college dean in the state of Virginia. The results of the study revealed that advisory committees were widely used in community colleges in the state of Virginia, however, these committees were not used as effectively as they could be. Advisory committees used in Virginia's community colleges were used most effectively in helping with the identification of occupational skills needed by program graduates and in identifying area labor market needs. / Master of Science