The purpose for conducting the study was to explore and describe the use of alumni societies and associations in community colleges, particularly focusing on the intended outcome of their implementation. To collect data for the study, the research-team developed a survey instrument that was distributed electronically to 250 community college…

Academic administrators at all levels have some impact on the performance of faculty members, yet each level of administration may interact differently with faculty. Literature has strongly supported the notion that department chairs, deans, and provosts can positively influence the performance and livelihood of faculty members. This study was…

Having a strong, positive departmental chair is critical to enhancing and assuring faculty performance and student learning. Poor leadership, however, can result in increased faculty turn over, poor teaching and research performance, and even the discouragement of students from enrolling. The current study explored response strategies by faculty…

The current study explored the theory of hope as a characteristic of individuals who engage in shared faculty governance, specifically addressing the question: What are the characteristics of faculty governance leaders, specifically their predispositions to have hopeful attitudes about their college campuses and administration? A survey was…

Student involvement in higher education governance has traditionally been seen as an important element in institutional decision-making. Student governance, along with faculty, staff, and trustee governance, is seen as an important, defining element in higher education decision making, and an element that helps to define the unique nature of the…

As challenges facing higher education continue to evolve, there is a need for colleges and universities to develop administrative leadership. Current activities tend to be limited, although there are a number of association and institutionally sponsored programs that serve limited populations. The current discussion focused on reviewing the…

A study was done to investigate the role of chief academic development officers (CADOs) as fund raisers for institutions of higher education in relation to program success and work motivation. The study was designed to: (1) profile the personal motivation of CADOs in higher education; (2) see if significant differences existed in what motivates…

This paper provides a framework for understanding the complexity of the chief student affairs officer (CSAO) at higher education institutions, examining existing models and an alternative, "cluster-culture" model. It notes that current literature on the CSAO position is inadequate in its description of the roles, responsibilities, and orientations…

Examines possible strategies that department chairs can use to better manage scarce resources. Strategies such as addressing issues of human resource management jointly with fiscal issues and relying more heavily on academic program planning at the departmental level were found to be effective. Conversely, reduced program offerings and longer work…

The role of the chief student affairs officer (CSAO) has become paramount to the stability of colleges and universities. Since the CSAO typically determines the direction and framework for the student affairs program, the purpose of this study was to identify CSAOs' levels of agreement on the Council for the Advancement of Standards (CAS) for…

Descibes an investigation of 110 faculty who were involved (highly, moderately, or not at all) in governance activities in community colleges. No differences were found in perceptions about ideal governance-process characteristics or faculty involvement in shared governance. However, there was a difference in general perception toward the role of…

Faculty senates and similar units have long held a place in college and university decision making. This study was undertaken to determine how college presidents perceive faculty involvement in governance. A 3-round Delphi survey was conducted, and a total of 23 of the initial 30 college presidents completed all 3 rounds. Results suggest that…

This document describes the findings from a survey conducted to compare the middle-level managers, department, and unit chairs and heads in Alabama's two-year colleges with those identified in the National Community College Chair Academy Survey of 1994. In particular, the study was designed to note differences or similarities between the national…

Describes a study of 3,000 community college department chairs to identify and prioritize strategies used to cope with job-related challenges. Indicates that top strategies were related to relations with business and industry, maintaining the chair position, and internal departmental operations. Discusses implications for future research. (10…

Describes a study investigating primary budgeting strategies and the use of funding formulas in community colleges in Nebraska. Results indicated that college administrators place primary reliance on rationalist approaches to budgeting, use performance-based budgets, and identify composite funding formulas as the most prevalent type of formula.…