In this commentary, we examine Braverman's insights into the trade-offs between feasibility and rigor in evaluation measures and reject his assessment of the trade-off as a zero-sum game. We, argue that feasibility and policy salience are, like reliability and validity, intrinsic to the definition of a good measure. To reduce the tension between…

A campus atmosphere of cultural pluralism in which individual minority groups can maintain a sense of identity and uniqueness while acknowledging and building on shared experiences and values can empower all members of the college community. Student activities policies and procedures reconsidered in this light can lower barriers. (Author/MSE)

Preliminary findings are reported from a survey conducted to determine the apparent absence of compensation for foreign language department chairs at some institutions. It is noted that, compared to the sciences or humanities, the typical foreign language program has greater and more complex tasks administratively and should, therefore, receive…

An interview with a college student activities director addresses topics concerning student activities planning including the need for good planning, activities planning as leadership training, roles of staff and students, planning phases, effective use of financial and human resources, contracting with artists, effective promotion, event-day…

Administrators in higher education frequently assume a type of rationality based on bureaucratic or political models of organizations, or some combination of the two. This assumption is questioned, and suggestions are made for models of decision making, resource allocation, and policy formation and implementation. (MSE)

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…

Lessons learned by the University of Arizona through participation in two major scientific projects, construction of an astronomical observatory and a super cyclotron, are discussed. Four criteria for institutional participation in such projects are outlined, including consistency with institutional mission, adequate resources, leadership, and…

This article argues that while small colleges appear to be poorly positioned to be technology leaders, they have opportunities to distinguish themselves through focused applications of information technology resources in support of their missions. Costs, risks, and benefits of taking a leadership role in technology are discussed. (Author/MSE)

Argues for the incorporation of community services and continuing education into the mission and practice of community colleges. Considers the role that program administrators have played in further isolating community services. Discusses issues related to community relations, professional development, and resource allocation. (DMM)

Each college foreign language department needs to use its limited resources with long-term goals in mind. Strategic planning requires the department to make sense of innovations in technology, present and future costs, enrollment trends, product life cycles, student characteristics, methodology, programmed or non-programmed needs, and vendors. In…

A discussion of prepaid college tuition plans, operational in a dozen states, finds that they have proven viable but present problems in three areas: (1) their structure must not redistribute state resources to the relatively wealthy; (2) participation may create pressure on admissions policy; and (3) state legislatures may see the accumulated…

This paper presents thoughts resulting from review of proposals by state developmental disabilities authorities, submitted to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, that were designs for change initiatives in self-determination systems. These reflections on the use of service money and the provision of supports to people with developmental…

Small increases in research and development funding and the state of the economy pose serious challenges to research universities. It is unlikely that the financial pressures will moderate. Research universities will be challenged to downsize by restructuring resources without compromising their quality. (Author/MSE)

In order to break the cycle of poverty for disadvantaged children and their families, action must be taken to redistribute income and other resources and improve services and institutions that serve the poor. Successful programs are the following: (1) comprehensive, flexible, and responsive; (2) staffed by workers who develop relationships of…

Perspectives on accountability in distance education, which began in Australia in 1911 at Queensland University, are considered. It is suggested that to be effective, distance education needs a sound philosophical basis; appropriate organizational structure; adequate resource allocation; specialized educational techniques and student access;…