A simple, flexible approach of planning for small colleges is presented after which action can be patterned. Alternative methods are described for carrying out the important activities found in most processes designed to generate a long-range institutional plan. A rationale for planning is offered along with a discussion of what planning can do…

The decision on the most appropriate size for liberal arts colleges should not be made on economic grounds. Analysis of literature shows that economic benefits through economies of scale are too debatable to play an important role. Fixed costs may be offset by less institutional complexity in small colleges. (Author/MSE)

The experience of a small liberal arts college in trying to develop a usable and understandable planning, management, and evaluation (PME) system is described. PME tasks in small colleges center upon selecting starting points, demonstrating how different procedures can facilitate operations and decision making, and educating people. (Author/MLW)

Characteristics of successful small-college administration are identified: entrepreneurial spirit, intuitive decision-making, an effective intelligence-gathering network, planning for the future using analogies from the past, and a penchant for keeping options open. (Author/MLW)

An overview is presented of a conference of deans and department chairpersons of schools of education in small private colleges. The conference addressed the topic of the direction that small college education programs must take in order to meet the requirements for effective instruction while remaining financially solvent. An address given from…

Data collection and analyses of college records and interviewing provided a cross-sectional view of data flow and information transmission in a small college. The micro-analysis of interview data, forms, and reports yielded a picture of functional relationships, clarified loci of decision making, and stipulated functions served by data items.…