As part of a reorganization study underway at Oakton Community College, this report presents the pros and cons of retaining the college's interdisciplinary learning clusters or moving to discipline-based divisions. Following introductory material, the report explains the methodology by which two representatives from each campus cluster, one…

This article deals with the concept of cluster colleges, one method of restructuring the university. The Center conducted a research project to determine whether certain attitudes, values and interests of students and faculty at cluster colleges differed from those at other colleges. Results indicated that cluster college faculty and students were…

Three short papers on the Centennial Education Program of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, in existence since 1969 as a residential cluster college for about 200 undergraduates registered for a 6-semester-hour block of problem-centered, experiential learning, usually interdisciplinary. Focus is on the problems and roles of faculty in this…

Despite social and educational change and greatly reduced visibility, the cluster college concept remains in use in many institutions, in both the federated colleges and subcollege cluster models, and in some cases substantially changed in form. (MSE)

The model of a cluster community college is described in this book. The chapters of the book are as follows: 1. Need for a New Organizational Model (Three Structural Anomalies, The Department: A Critical Analysis, The Department: A Status Study); 2. Dynamics for Change (Creative Tensions, Pre-Conditions Required for Planned Change); 3. Some…

Grades and other record evaluations should serve at least three functions: (1) they should communicate to the student how well and in what ways expected academic competencies and skills are being developed; (2) they are to be used within the college for advisory purposes, for granting admission to certain courses and programs, and for decisions on…

Cluster colleges organize campuses to capture all the advantages of the small college (local administration, identifiable students and faculty, a sense of community) while maintaining many of the advantages of the large institution (economy, financial security, efficiency, staff expertise). This article identifies advantages and problems, and…

The cluster dean's primary responsibility is to lead, supervise, and evaluate the faculty and staff within the learning cluster. He also participates in long-range planning and formulating educational policy. This article examines the cluster dean's relationships with faculty and department chairmen, and identifies advantages of the cluster…

Report on the advantages and disadvantages of the interdisciplinary cluster system at Oakton Community College (Illinois) after five years. Reviews effects on students, faculty, administrators, and curriculum. (RT)

An analysis of the curriculum, operation, and evaluation of the Bowling Green State University Humanities Cluster College, an interdepartmental living-learning program now accorded formal institutional status. Compares the 1975 program with those of earlier experimental years when the students were less career-oriented and pragmatic. (JT)

Explores institutional efforts to bring balance to past over-emphasis on rational and cognitive processes by underscoring the value of human feelings. Discusses specific community college programs exemplifying innovative approaches to institutional organization, human development education and staff development. (AC)

The attendance patterns of the 5,697 nongraduating students enrolled at the Grand Valley State Colleges over the period from fall 1975 to fall 1977 is examined. The analysis shows that: of the 256 possible combinations of attendance patterns over the eight terms from winter 1976 to fall 1977, nongraduating students were in 187 of these patterns;…

For the college of arts and sciences in 1972-73, data are offered on course offerings, course capacity and attendance, casual student enrollments, overenrollment, and underenrollment for each quarter. Comments are made as to the implications of the data for future course planning. (MSE)

The University of Texas at Dallas is one of the 7 new upper level colleges and universities (institutions offering only junior, senior and graduate level programs) recently established in Texas. A curriculum plan has been devised at the University that provides a unique combination of program budgeting, interdisciplinary activity with no sacrifice…

This document presents a summary of the academic plan of The University of Texas at Dallas, a recently established upper level university (institution offering only junior, senior and graduate level programs). The document describes the academic organization of the University, the undergraduate programs, the graduate programs, the research policy…