During a period of retrenchment, colleges and universities are increasingly developing employee assistance programs (EAPs) to help personnel cope with personal and work-related problems. Successful EAPs have top management commitment, have written policies and procedure, focus on employee performance, provide professional assistance, involve the…

A National Association of College and University Business Officers survey of 153 institutions revealed the ways in which beginning, somewhat experienced, and experienced users of continuous quality improvement (CQI) management principles have implemented them. The three categories of implementers are profiled, and best practices are identified.…

This article describes the Chaminade University (Hawaii) information management system which integrates the fiscal system, the chart of accounts, the general ledger, accounts receivable, budgeting, purchasing and encumbrances, accounts payable, and faculty contracts. Briefly described are the initial system, system revision, design concepts, data…

The program of voluntary separation at Smith College (Massachusetts), implemented as an alternative to forced staff layoffs, is described. The plan included generous separation benefits and counseling services. Related issues are discussed, including tax considerations, eligibility, cost estimation, the plan's timeline, information dissemination,…

Factors in organizational climate and structure that enhance innovation include need to respond to emerging market trends and discomfort with the status quo. Inhibitors include negative language used regarding new ideas and lack of strategic organizational direction. As in industry, higher education can use these to involve employees in change:…

Steps that should be followed in choosing and implementing an administrative computer system are discussed. Three stages are involved: institutional assessment, system selection, and implementation. The first step is to define the current status of the data processing systems and the management information systems at the institutions. Future…

The process of reengineering the administrative information system at the University of Idaho required careful planning, development of a set of philosophies, and several strategies for ensuring success. The latter included a humorous symbol (a jitter bug) to express concern, improved institutional communications, and a focus on logistical issues.…

A committee approach to small-college short-range planning is described that focuses on admissions, financial aid, academic programs, and budget and using task forces, representatives of the board, administration, and faculty, and strict adherence to a schedule of deadlines. (MSE)