"System accreditation" is a new approach developed for German universities to conduct the mandatory accreditation of all their study programmes. A pilot project at Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz is playing an important role in paving the way for this alternative to prevailing programme accreditation. This article describes how…

In both purpose and practice, general education in American higher education has experienced several recurring debates and national revivals. In a world with constantly evolving technology, students need a strong general education to be flexible and adaptable to the changes of the world. General education is an important component and requirement…

Strategic planning is complex (Dodd, 2004), and when managed well, it requires deliberate incorporation of evidenced-based data and the collaboration of key stakeholders. Thus, it is essential that the planning process includes the integration of data that are collected regularly and that both internal and external professional partners have the…

Increased focus on assessment of student learning in the accreditation of higher education institutions offers new, challenging opportunities for institutional researchers. This article explores how institutional researchers can maximize these opportunities by offering methodological guidance in the assessment process and by designing new studies…

Review of quality assurance programs in higher education in developing countries considers best practices, the relationship of quality assurance to economic development, characteristics of universities in developing countries, and barriers to quality assurance activities in these countries. Stresses that quality assurance programs in developing…

Connecticut's Public Act 99-285 clarifies the major goals and expectations that Connecticut citizens have for their public system of higher education. In this Act, the state legislature has codified its desires by identifying six priority level goals for higher education: (1) enhance student learning and promote academic excellence; (2) join with…

Academic institutions are increasingly interested in the collection and presentation of data to support strategic planning, accreditation, and accountability needs. With an increased emphasis on campus-wide involvement and centralized data collection at some institutions, the integrity, accessibility, and interpretation of data become key…

An evaluation and report was done on the status of programs in architecture and related fields in the Florida State University System as a follow-up to a 1983 evaluation. The evaluation involved self-studies prepared by each program and a series of site visits to each of seven campuses and two centers with programs under review. These institutions…

Designed to provide a systematic, in-depth assessment of Miami-Dade Community College's (MDCC's) educational programs, this institutional self-study report assesses the impact and effectiveness of major reforms in the college's educational programs, student support services, and selected campus-level activities. The first of eight volumes begins…

To predict and improve licensure examination results, Tennessee Technological University's nursing school has investigated the use of existing student outcomes information (licensing exam scores and grades) as a basis for curricular and individual student improvement. The strategy has helped to identify specific areas for enhancement. (MSE)

In March 1983, a group of professional personnel, under the direction and leadership of the Utah State Office of Education conducted an evaluation of the teacher education program at Southern Utah State College. The report of the on-site evaluation team is presented in this document. The report includes program descriptions, commendations, and…

The result of a study undertaken by the Santiago Library System (SLS) in Orange County, California, in conjunction with the California State Library, this report presents a complete review of various SLS programs, services, and structures with discussions of alternatives, comparative costs, and comparative advantages and disadvantages for each.…

School culture has recently emerged as a framework for the study and interpretation of the structure and development of schools. This paper reviews a work culture productivity model and reports the development of a culture instrument. The use of second-order component analysis shows areas of generalization across primary factors. The School Work…

This report summarizes the results of Harvard University's academic planning process that took place from 1991 to 1993. An introduction outlines the process's basic goals: (1) to maintain and strengthen Harvard's excellence in education and research and to sustain its leadership position; (2) to remain open and accessible to the most outstanding…