Each institution has an existing planning style, and new approaches to academic planning must take into account institutionalized planning practices. Four planning styles are examined: needs assessment, program data, retrenchment and reallocation, and economic incentives. (Author/MLW)

Nongovernmental accreditation of institutions and programs, a uniquely American process, is discussed. Institutions are shown to bear a large responsibility for making accreditation work as a major tool for improvement. The accreditation process, specialized accreditation, and future developments are described. (Author/LB)

Evaluation of academic programs in higher education institutions has existed in the United States since 1640. In the succeeding 34 decades, demands for program review and accountability have led to the present development of academic program evaluation as a primary means to revise, curtail, or eliminate degree programs. (Author/MSE)

Recent literature on academic program review or evaluation is reviewed, including case study reports of ways in which systematic reviews of programs have been designed and carried out at selected colleges. Attention is given to procedures that have been used or suggested for collecting information. (MLW)

Multicampus systems should proceed carefully in the process of academic program review, with an eye toward asking and answering questions most likely to cause institutions to confront the more fundamental questions of purpose and coherence. (Author/MSE)

The imperatives of institutional planning in an environment of scarce resources have brought program evaluation activities under more systematic processes serving varied needs. Evaluation processes at Michigan State University, the University of Michigan, and the University of Houston are examined. (Author/MSE)

With artistic leadership, state agency roles can complement those of institutions and their governing boards, enhancing the renewal function of program evaluation and ensuring that evaluation centers on the improvement of educational effectiveness. (Author)

Trends and issues in program evaluation are reviewed, with attention given to the role of the institutional research staff, state agencies, and accrediting agencies. Recommendations are made for future action, including establishing a new social contract between academe and government, and developing better evaluation tools. Sources of information…