Possible changes in U.S. Postal Service rates and services, resulting from a planned restructuring, are discussed. College administrators are encouraged to review mail class use, available discounts, and even the design and quantity of materials mailed out. (MSE)

To manage enrollments, today's colleges and universities must incorporate marketing strategies and organizational changes that until now have generally been used only by business and other private sector professionals. (MSE)

The most critical challenge for higher education institutions in the near future will be to develop capacity for change, remove constraints to rapid response, remove unnecessary processes and administrative structures, question existing premises and arrangements, and challenge, excite, and empower all members of the academic community. (MSE)

Strategic planning models seek order in a disorderly world. However, chaos science offers a language of concepts to discern deeper patterns in organizational life that appears out of control. Many of these concepts apply to higher education institutions. Interpretation of chaos theory principles suggests five tools for making high-leverage change…

Advancements in information technology have caused many colleges and universities to reconsider the organization of the units providing information services. Ranging from joint planning exercises to full vertical mergers, changes in organizational structure are powerful tools administrators can use to integrate and effectively manage information…

Despite considerable federal support for educational innovations, few innovations persist beyond the period of federal funding. The non-persistence and premature termination of so many innovations make it desirable to determine managerial strategies that may work to ensure that innovations believed to make a difference in solving educational…

Because of the integral relationship of student financial aid with student recruitment and retention, budgeting, program design and development, student services, and long-range institutional planning, it is useful to review organizational structure periodically to ensure visibility of the financial aid function within the institution. (MSE)

Argues that to make improvements in sponsored research administration, it is necessary to understand that: it is a system of interdependent components, and improvement requires systematic, highly integrated methods and a holistic view of the role of research administration in the larger research system. Provides a framework for…

In July 1993, DePaul University integrated its information technology and service functions under a new division of University Planning and Information Technology, consolidating formerly fragmented services to achieve a unified direction for information technology closely aligned with university goals. This case study discusses the framework,…

Describes the process of restructuring departments at the University of Arkansas, Little Rock, and its effects on the foreign language department, international center, and intensive English language program. Discusses problems associated with both the lengthy process and the resulting structure, the home for eleven separate units with distinct…

Interviews with university and college department chairs or persons responsible for existing educational administration and higher education programs evaluated the effects of a merged structure (combining the two programs) on the study of administration. Sixteen universities were visited and program heads were interviewed. Identified advantages of…

In moving Syracuse University (New York) administrative computing applications from mainframe to a client/server environment, challenges have come not from technological transition but from changes in the ways both information systems are organized and clients work. Cultural initiatives were necessary, including organizational restructuring,…

Strategies at several private and public colleges and universities to support advancing information technology are described. Trends include distributed computing, database connectivity, and increased computer use in teaching. Common instructional concerns include facilitating use of technology and developing "supertech" classrooms.…

The self-imposed external evaluation of a university grants office is reported, including discussions of the office's and administrator's roles, comparison with similar-sized institutions and programs, the review process, and its results. (MSE)

Maricopa Community College District (Arizona) connects multiple facilities with a digital voice, data, and video wide area network. The network has been achieved through a conscious strategy of managing change and leveraging vendor partnerships. Organizational structure has also evolved, creating new job functions and need for retraining and staff…