Strategic planning models seek order in a disorderly world. However, chaos science offers a language of concepts to discern deeper patterns in organizational life that appears out of control. Many of these concepts apply to higher education institutions. Interpretation of chaos theory principles suggests five tools for making high-leverage change…

Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) "risk contracts," under which HMOs cover Medicare-eligible individuals, are explained; and the costs, benefits, and coverage are compared with those of other managed care options. Employers with retiree medical plans are encouraged to consider using HMO risk contracts for both short- and long-term…

A discussion of ways to remedy women's wage disadvantage in higher education looks briefly at affirmative action, then more extensive examines the principle of comparable worth, including advantages of implementing a comparable worth program, criteria for judging worth, bias-free job evaluation, and making comparable worth adjustments. (MSE)

The approach chosen to award pay for performance is not as important as the need to assess the organization's commitment to merit, the quality of the relationship with employees, and the ability to do a fair job. With careful implementation, merit pay systems can be mutually rewarding. (MSE)

College and university employee assistance programs that address work and family issues are discussed. Components of such programs include child care resource and referral, parent education and support groups, elder care support and education, and management training. Issues in program creation and administration are highlighted. More programs in…

The administration of a comprehensive fringe benefits program at the University of Florida, a large institution with about 11,000 faculty, support, and administrative and professional employees, is described. Topics examined include the benefits office function, retirement, obstacles in program administration and information dissemination, special…

A study investigated perceived barriers to tenure and retention among 229 faculty (probationary, newly tenured, and leaving the institution) at 1 public research university and to determine differences between men and women. Issues identified by junior faculty led to suggestions for program and policy initiatives to enhance likelihood of faculty…

A discussion of employee assistance programs for faculty and other college personnel looks at the rationale for such programs, their goals, associated administrative problems and issues, and evaluation of their effectiveness. It is concluded that colleges have a responsibility for employee well-being and personal and professional development. (MSE)

A survey of 39 colleges/universities sought information on characteristics of 1973-93 summer school administrators. Results indicate large changes in some characteristics (e.g., gender), very small changes in others (highest degree held). Some variations emerged by institution type or location. Some theories for the changes are proposed for…