The planning and implementation of a voice mail system at the University of Maryland at Baltimore is described. A general discussion of voice information processng systems is offered and a preliminary evaluation of the voice mail experiment is provided. (Author/MLW)

Computing began at Rice University with the first computer project on campus about 1958. In 1960 a computer center was formed. Today's Institute for Computer Services and Applications serves Rice administration, departments, faculty, and students by writing systems, maintaining files, entering data, retrieving information, etc. (MLW)

Partnerships are examined using information gathered in interviews with over 20 chief information officers or chief academic computing officers at universities considered leaders in information technology. Issues addressed include why partnerships are formed; four types; how they are formed; the importance of vendor contract; and impact.…

The evolution of decision support systems (DSS) has enabled computer and information technology to assist the management process of decision making. Decision support systems are designed to look forward in time, to forecast outcomes of uncertain events. A 70-item bibliography is included. (MLW)

The administrative computing operation of Clemson University is discussed. The university's computing history, computer hardware, and computing organization (including the Computer Center, administrative programing services, and information systems development) are described. (MLW)

The planning assumptions on which Oberlin College's computer support staff encouraged incorporation of microcomputer use on campus are outlined and discussed, including computers as a higher education resource, networks, institutional planning considerations, encouraging staff and faculty participation, and computer staff support efforts. (MSE)

Boston University's (Massachusetts) online requisition system allows authorized users in 130 campus departments to originate a variety of transactions, eliminating all manual processing of requisitions. The system is described, its two-year system development cycle is chronicled, and its impact and reception by users are discussed. (Author/MSE)

The University of Arizona has begun to reorganize campus computing. Six working groups were formed to address six areas of computing: academic computing, library automation, administrative data processing and information systems, writing and graphics, video and audio services, and outreach and public service. (MLW)

The implementation by Indiana State University of a machine-readable photo ID system for their food services prompted an investigation into the available alternatives and requirements for a more efficient all-University ID card system. The new ID system is described. (AUTHOR/MLW)

Reorganization of the information systems at Indiana University is chronicled and the role of computing services in linking all parts of the institution in support of both education and administration is discussed. Involvement of planning and policy groups in developing directions and initiatives is also outlined. (MSE)

The development of the Drexel Disk is described. The goal of this disk is to train novice users of a personal computer and to provide them with all the information they need to be able to use the machine and the facilities at Drexel. (MLW)

The simplicity of system design and productivity techniques used in development of an on-line management information system at Boston College is explained. The simplicity of system design means that all terminal transactions in the system are limited in function, small in size, uncomplicated, and easy to implement. (Author/MLW)

The evolution of executive reporting and decision support systems at the University of Hartford is described, including a definition of concepts, discussion of the decision support roles of the planning and institutional research office and computer service, a description of several systems already developed, and the strategies underlying…

Yale University (Connecticut) uses a "constructive evolution" method of coping with maintenance and fine-tuning of aging information systems. In this process, system developers form partnerships with user department representatives to plan and coordinate system changes. Evolution of the personnel/payroll system over five years provides…

The University of Cincinnati provides a workshop as a first step to computer literacy for thousands of faculty and staff members. The workshop uses a microcomputer laboratory with 24 work stations and audiovisual equipment. The curriculum builds both computer knowledge and positive computer attitudes with high-interest, low-threat activities…