Five obstacles to superior investment results for small college endowments are: using local financial institutions that consistently underperform; "looking ahead in the rear-view mirror;" overemphasizing endowment income; playing monopoly with funds; and relying on inadequate information about investment results. Guidelines are offered. (MSE)

Recent experiences in M.I.T.'s endowment management are outlined, from setting objectives to the organization of funds management and actual decision-making. Policies and insights gained in the process are offered, including those on income needs, building capital, and selecting markets for investment. (MSE)

An experienced investment advisor offers suggestions on compiling a lucrative portfolio of securities. Setting objectives, variation of institutional needs over time, relating investment return to improvement of institutional quality, buying strategies, and portfolio managment policies are discussed. (MSE)

A checklist for closing is presented in the hope that institutions can anticipate their problems while they can still be solved. Considered are: establishing a base of reliable information; public announcements and public relations; and disposition of records, property, and current endowment. (Editor/LBH)

The prosperous 1980s will be followed by an economic slowdown challenging to higher education. Faced with slower public, private, and endowment revenue growth and increasing operating costs, institutions will have to make tough choices. Data on government contributions, private gifts, endowments, expenditures, and shifting allocations are offered…