The lack of utilization of evaluation studies is criticized. It is suggested that program directors be asked to submit proposals to evaluators which will demonstrate that the directors are competent to utilize the information provided and to assess the quality of the evaluation. (JKS)

Arguments for and against formal alumni chapters are outlined. Pros include increased membership, better leadership, and strengthened development potential; cost effectiveness is possible. Cons include direct and indirect costs; informal alumni structures are seen as equally effective. (MSE)

The National Association for Campus Activities (NACA) Strategic Plan outlines the fundamental purposes, values, and environmental factors of the association. It presents five strategies: to serve and educate association membership through publications, research, and programs; to advocate and support technology use; to expand fiscal resources; to…

The University of Georgia's Carl Vinson Institute of Government, one of the nation's oldest and largest university-based public-service organizations, provides a case study of the problems and challenges for these organizations, one of which is to mix and match institutional and personal objectives and capabilities to optimize the contributions of…

Discusses the implications of the requirement of the Carl D. Perkins Vocational Education Act (1984) that each state designate a state board of vocational education to serve as the sole state agency for program administration at both secondary and postsecondary institutions. Considers problems, possible solutions, national strategies, and new…

Discusses issues in institution-wide information networking, focusing on two major forces in research and education institutions: the network as an information and technology platform, and as organizational structure. Looks at how the organization uses information and coordinates activities and allocates resources so information use creates value…

Highlights salient points for consideration by administrators and instructors connected with summer programs in English language and culture. These factors include cultural context, institutional motivation, administrative framework, staffing level, curriculum content, safety, arrangements for home stays, and intercultural communication. (5…

Eight steps to use in promoting the alumni office on campus and create lasting ties with other campus offices are outlined. They include keeping in personal contact with campus colleagues, staying involved in campus programs, keeping the top administrators and campus informed of activities, garnering support, being professional, keeping current.…

The Great Cities Institute at the University of Illinois, Chicago is a high-visibility urban-policy research center that is sometimes drawn into controversial issues. University leadership must defend academic freedom vigorously, but that freedom cannot be used indiscriminately for faculty pronouncements; faculty and administrators must ensure…

It is argued that despite the decline of the humanities in higher education in the 20 years since the National Endowment for the Humanities came into existence, the agency has probably done much to promote the humanities and prevent further decline. (MSE)

Expectations of graduate medical education consortia are contrasted with the experiences of 36 such groups. Results indicate consortia differ markedly in structure, functions, and other features but have some common concerns. Recommendations for improvement addresses such issues as leadership, needs assessment, and resource allocation. (Author/MSE)

A study investigated the demographic characteristics of 567 administrators of college and university offices for students with disabilities (OSD), how they perceived various professional roles and functions, and relationship of these perceptions to institutional and program characteristics. Results were compared with a similar study conducted a…

A legislative proposal by the Association of American Universities calls for creation of a federal agency similar to the National Science Foundation to develop and promote a national policy of support for foreign language, area, and international studies research and instruction at colleges, universities, and other institutions. (MSE)

The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching will move from the East Coast to the West and have a new president, Lee S. Shulman, whose professional focus has been teaching and teacher education. Some observers feel the foundation has not been active enough in public policy formation recently. However, the new focus will be more on…

Organizational features (physical characteristics, academic organization, involvement, organization, and staff attitudes to distance education) are compared in six Australian and New Zealand universities. The variation among institutions argues for the use of an international agency to validate courses for transfer of credit. (MSE)