Although colleges and universities do sell goods and services, make them with purchased inputs and hired workers, use plants and equipment, and compete for customers and faculty inputs, they are fundamentally economically different from businesses in a number of ways. The unique costs, prices, production technologies, and markets of higher…

Examines how Wall Street's view of technology-mediated higher education as a rapidly growing market is prompting many colleges and universities to consider a nonprofit/for-profit hybrid model that includes a separate for-profit entity for electronic learning. A table identifies factors influencing the decision to create a for-profit entity, and…

The participative model of institutional budgeting is compared briefly with two other common models, and its rationale is discussed. An explanation of nine basic principles of participative budgeting uses examples from a variety of colleges and universities, and concludes with the author's reflections on the approach, based on his experience. (MSE)

Administrators must focus on the long-term effects of resource decline and identify a strategy to promote renewal and prevent stagnation. Redefinition of mission, rethinking models, reintegration of organizational processes, revitalizing members, reparations, recuperation and repatriation, and recommitment are discussed. (MLW)

The life and times of Clark Kerr, who built the modern University of California and transformed American higher education, are presented. (MLW)