A preliminary study of alternative methods of organizing, managing, and financing computing at the nation's institutions of higher education is explored in the context of transactional analysis. The purpose and contents of the forthcoming final report (designed for university presidents) is described. The games, as intended and defined by the…

Issues and strategies for developing a campus data communications system are discussed. It is suggested that individual microcomputer (MC) workstations will occasionally have a need for (1) access, via a data communications network, to a more powerful processor; (2) specialized software; (3) sophisticated output devices; (4) central data sets; or…

The evolution of computer hardware for college computing has mirrored the industry's growth. When computers were introduced into the educational environment, they had limited capacity and served one user at a time. Then came large mainframes with many terminals sharing the resource. Next, the use of computers in office automation emerged. As…

Computerized information systems are often installed to reduce costs of: (1) system maintenance by requiring fewer man-hours, (2) system enhancement by requiring less manpower, (3) mechanical efficiency by doing more per clock-hour of time, (4) personnel by substituting machine expenditures, (5) supplies and support services by using microforms or…

The University of Arizona has begun to reorganize campus computing. Six working groups were formed to address six areas of computing: academic computing, library automation, administrative data processing and information systems, writing and graphics, video and audio services, and outreach and public service. (MLW)

Choosing a consultant to help with a computer system will have more impact on an office than any other decision made during the year. The major advantage of hiring computer consultants is that they bring in-depth expertise to the organization. Some basic rules for choosing a computer consultant are provided. (MLW)

Presents survey results on the use of computers by community colleges in terms of systems employed, services provided, administrative uses, and levels of instructional use. Supplies charts showing past, current, and projected instructional computer usage. (DMM)

A comprehensive study of five institutions, selected as leaders in the field of administrative computer technology in higher education, is analyzed. Results are presented in the following areas: administrative tasks, information organization/technical structure, institutional operation, personnel, and cost/value. (Author/MLW)

Results of a national survey investigating problems with aging college computer systems are reported. On average, 68 percent of systems were identified as aging (five or more years old or not under database management systems). Strategies for upgrading obsolescent systems are discussed, and the role of planning is emphasized. Anecdotal information…

The revised organizational structure for computing at The Medical University of South Carolina, the planned computer and telecommunications architecture, and the current state of implementation of these projects are discussed. Recommendations concerning resource management, software, and hardware are presented. The college had several different…

The promise of mainframe computers in the 1970s for management information systems (MIS) is largely unfulfilled, and newer office automation systems and data communication systems are designed to be responsive to MIS needs. The status of these innovations is briefly outlined. (MSE)

Higher-education administrators are alerted to the advent of the microprocessor and the capabilities of desk computers. The potential use of the microcomputer in administrative decision making, efficiency, and resource allocation are reviewed briefly. (MSE)

A major conversion of existing systems has significantly improved the administrative computing capabilities of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. The training function has been emphasized as a vital element for an interactive computing environment. (MLW)

Sponsored by CAUSE, EDUCOM, and Pepperdine University, an institute was designed to help educational leaders become familiar with some of the basic issues faced by academe as society becomes computer literate. Highlights of the presentations made during the institute are provided. (MLW)

The computer system at Swarthmore College, used for both academic and administrative purposes, is described. The college's computing history, equipment, budgeting, a unique cable communication systems, and administrative uses of computing are noted. (MSE)