Study abroad programs have proven beneficial for both the international student as well as the domestic community and school population interacting with the student. In an effort to promote cultural awareness, intercultural communications as well as opportunities for future study abroad program success, universities must take care to provide…

One of the most important elements in achieving significant curricular and pedagogical innovation is creating a climate that promotes and acknowledges the contributions of those who engage in these efforts. It is critical that this climate be systemic, existing at the department, college, and university levels. In the past few years, the view that…

Inquiry-based learning is one approach to improving the quality of undergraduate education by moving toward more student-directed, interactive methods of learning while focusing on learning how to learn. This paper deals with a missing component in the inquiry-related literature--the extra-pedagogical challenges of introducing and maintaining…

All institutional activities should be based on mutually-agreed-upon educational and cultural values as declared in a formal mission statement. A carefully formulated statement supported by conscious, informal commitment to its fulfillment allows an institution to maintain integrity and provide direction. (MSE)

A discussion of the debate over multicultural education in colleges and universities looks at the evolution of the movement and examines some myths about it that threaten its effectiveness. An effective approach to multiculturalism is seen to have implications for institutional philosophy, structure, operations, and academic programs. Concrete…

Three models of distance education that reflect different institutional needs and resources are described: a traditional system (Manchester Community Technical College, Connecticut); a flexible system designed for the current transitional nature of educational technology (Appalachian State University, North Carolina); and a technologically…

When faculty members think about curriculum, they think about course content. Debates about general education reflect this focus. Drawing on a case study, this article considers, rather, the politics and process of curricular change. It argues that success in this realm depends on the skill of academic administrators. (Contains 2 figures.)

This proposal contains a plan to alter the curriculum at Georgia Institute of Technology for the following reasons: to educate its students in Total Quality Management (TQM) approaches and practice, to develop a major research initiative designed to understand what TQM approaches work and why, to become a major center for the collection and…

This report is an edited version of the transcript of a seminar held to explore the problem of increasing costs and defining productivity in higher education. The main paper, by William Massey, presents a conceptual model explaining the forces driving up costs in academic departments of institutions of higher education. Under the model there have…

Describes an observational study on the future of European universities that analyzed how university systems in Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and the United States currently structure curricula and certification. Proposes three models for Europe, which were submitted for comment to 30 university leaders in eight countries. Lists the nine…

A statewide performance funding initiative provided a strong incentive to examine student outcomes. The result has been a systematic program of data collection and dissemination that has significantly affected both the curriculum and the university's budgeting process. (Author/MSE)

Purpose: To show that the practices, processes and resources for the management of the university environment should be aligned to meet the ever-growing demands of sustainability and its motivations should be clearly spelt out to all stakeholders. Universities should also strive to become leaders in the development of effective environmental…

This paper examines how institutions of higher education can achieve more diverse academic communities. It is argued that modernist interpretations of organizations limit academic change designed to encourage the voiceless members of society through an overemphasis on outcomes and efficiency. Section 1 discusses the general debate between…

Results of a survey of college deans concerning their educational background and job characteristics and the relationship between career experiences and current job functions are reported and discussed. (MSE)

In Spain, social change and crisis, and the need for higher education reform, have been particularly intensive. However, it was not until the recent University Reform Act that a framework for reorganization based on the principles of the public university was established. (MSE)