Overseeing the operations of a college and/or district combines the elements of a financial wizard, a logistics magician, a political demagogue, a Baptist preacher, and a prognosticating soothsayer. It's particularly challenging for new CEOs. This paper offers advice for such new CEOs and for those just interested in a shared perspective. Topics…

Planning ahead, practicing your response for various scenarios, being open and honest, showing empathy and respect for other peoples' perspectives and assuring stakeholders that you have the situation covered are the foundations of communicating successfully during a crisis, experts say. This article provides strategies for Community College…

It is argued that to deal with conflict effectively in a college or university, it is necessary to be aware of the structural relationships and antecedent conditions that cause it, and to watch for early signs of trouble. Seven levels of conflict are identified and strategies for resolution are suggested. The importance of early intervention is…

Anecdotes of college and university public relations problems and experiences illustrate 10 principles in managing campus controversy. Issues discussed include promptness of dissemination, accuracy of information, deciding how much of the story needs to be told, establishing a relationship of trust with the media, educating faculty about media…

Administrative leadership is examined with focus on the processes and problems of campus decision-making. Chapters include: the need for administrators; morals, ethics, and values in higher education; improving administrative communication; conceptions of decision-making; focusing administration interest; understanding external influences,…

The management strategy of calling attention to problems and labeling them as crises is discussed as a method of coping with prolonged periods of shrinking resources. Part I, "Entering the Realm of Crisis," discusses the importance of defining a crisis, the crisis as an organizational good, and when to declare a crisis. Two types of…

Institutional approaches to alternative dispute resolution can offer students and faculty a safe, non-judgmental environment for addressing disputes and promoting campus civility. Issues discussed include ways to promote an institutional atmosphere of civility; creation of structures for conflict resolution and alternative dispute resolution; use…

The process of reengineering the administrative information system at the University of Idaho required careful planning, development of a set of philosophies, and several strategies for ensuring success. The latter included a humorous symbol (a jitter bug) to express concern, improved institutional communications, and a focus on logistical issues.…

Nine campus public relations professionals offer solutions and strategies to address three campus communication dilemmas: (1) display of a controversial student photograph; (2) a state budget scare; and (3) a rape on campus. (MSE)

Five case studies illustrate the value of strategic communications in school and college public relations (PR). Central issues include public scrutiny of a controversial faculty hiring policy; internal communication during retrenchment; a local education/job fair; animal rights activism; and winning public approval for a long-range campus plan.…