College advancement services can take the burden of many financial and analytical functions off the shoulders of development officers. Centralizing development-related financial functions can streamline clerical tasks and improve efficiency, consistency, continuity, accessibility of expertise, and capacity. Proficiency in a wide range of financial…

Guidelines are offered for colleges to use in making decisions about self-operation or contracting of campus services. Six primary factors and 10 phases in the decision process are outlined. A matrix incorporating those factors and phases, and specifically designed for decision-making concerning campus computing services is also presented. (MSE)

A centralized records database for advancement services saves time, money, and confusion. The centralized advancement services model works best when fundraisers and technical supporters work together in planning and setting strategy as well as on specific requests, concentrating on the same priorities. (MSE)

Development of Arizona State University's computing architecture, designed to ensure that all new distributed computing pieces will work together, is described. Aspects discussed include the business rationale, the general architectural approach, characteristics and objectives of the architecture, specific services, and impact on the university…

A University of Nebraska-Lincoln study evaluated use of a campus compensatory technology program, particularly compensatory communications systems, by students with disabilities. Results indicate a high level of student use, student perceptions that the compensatory systems were helpful, and improved student academic performance. (Author/MSE)

This issue of the Center for the Study of Community Colleges (CSCC) "Bulletin" describes various academic support services provided by community colleges to strengthen instruction and to assist staff members in their own development. Introductory comments discuss the relationship between academic support services and classroom instruction, with…

Florida Community College at Jacksonville's (FCCJ's) "A Learning Enhancement and Retention Tracking" (ALERT) system is a computerized retention program which collects and utilizes a range of retention-related information to help students achieve their goals. Upon application for admission, students complete an ALERT Advising and…

Results of a needs assessment for administrative computing at the University of Nevada, Reno, are presented. The objectives of the Management Information Systems Task Force are identified, along with 17 problems in existing operational and management data systems, and institutional goals for future planning and management systems. In addition to…