Strategic planning in universities is frequently positioned as vital for clarifying future directions, providing a coherent basis for decision-making, establishing priorities, and improving organizational performance. Models for successful strategic planning abound and often present the process as linear and straightforward. In this essay, we…

This report reviews the proposal by the California State University (CSU) to establish a 23rd campus to be know as California State University, Channel Islands. The proposed institution will be a full-service campus with a lower division, upper division, and graduate educational services, located in a former state hospital in Ventura County. The…

It is proposed that schools of social work typically respond reactively and defensively when workload demands increase relative to available resources. Strategic planning is offered as a tool for increasing faculty's and administrators' sense of vitality and empowerment. Conditions, tasks, outcomes, and pitfalls of successful strategic planning…

A framework for strategic planning within academic departments is outlined. Elements include analyzing the strategic situation of all constituencies (department, institution, competitors, students, student employers), development of mission statement and departmental objectives, development of strategic market-target and curriculum options,…

Factors leading to dissatisfaction with planning processes are identified, barriers to successful planning are described, and proposed solutions suggest a set of minimum characteristics applicable to all academic planning systems. Implementation of a program review system is discussed. (Author/LBH)

A brief history of the concept of scientific crime prevention is outlined, and development of a college crime prevention program is discussed, including criteria for judging proposals that address a security threat; advantages and disadvantages of three prevention approaches (informational, mechanical, human); innovations; crime in the surrounding…

Five criteria for judging college or university performance indicators (PIs) used to guide strategic decision making are outlined. The criteria address: purpose; alignment of PIs throughout the organization or system; alignment of PIs across inputs, processes, and outcomes; capacity to accommodate a variety of evaluation methods; and utility in…

A discussion of the difficulties of enrollment projection examines the wide range of variables affecting enrollments and the likely technological, scientific, manpower, social, and humanistic needs of the world in 2000 that should motivate recruitment efforts. (MSE)

Before a general education (GE) program is initiated or assessed, a solid institutional foundation should exist, including a philosophy and definitions regarding GE. At Ohio's Sinclair Community College, the institutional foundation included a college-wide Assessment Steering Committee charged with developing a comprehensive assessment plan for…

The impetus and situation for development of a Polish open university similar to Britain's are outlined and discussed, focusing on Poland's educational system since World War II, the limits to expansion of conventional universities, new educational interests, alternative program models, and administrative organization. (MSE)

The involvement of a large regional university's institutional support units in a self-study is discussed. The university had initiated its first experience with a comprehensive and systematic approach to planning. Attention is focused on the self-study procedures in the support units and on the resulting reports. Four support units with diverse…

The purpose of this practicum was to determine the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats surrounding the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program at Dowling College (Oakdale, New York), as perceived by the Business Administration Division faculty. Faculty were surveyed to determine perceived strengths, weaknesses, opportunities…

College alumni associations can use new events management software for effective, innovative event planning. Possible applications are illustrated in the cases of three universities. Information is provided on planning time, budget, hardware and software used, software uses, evidence of event success, and lessons learned. Planning considerations…

Most college and university retention programs do little to change the quality of academic experience for students, especially during the first critical year of college. One of the most promising reforms is establishment of "learning communities," which feature block scheduling to enable students to take classes together, are organized…

As colleges face budget reductions, they must consider the substantial hidden costs of unemployment benefits for terminated part-time faculty. Planning a sound program of benefits management that includes cost containment requires the cooperation of personnel director, chief financial officer, and chief academic officer. (MSE)