Since 2004, IPEDS data has been diffused via a product known as the Data Feedback Report (DFR). Produced yearly for each institution in the IPEDS universe, the DFR is a print product that contrasts the IPEDS data submitted by an institution with its institutionally-defined comparison group. The DFR is free to all users, covers a wide range of…

Contributing factors to the development of liability-type relationships are discussed, along with practical suggestions for restructuring the role of the research administrator. An agenda for further conceptualization and research is included. (Author/MLW)

This reprinted 1970 article examines the role of the university research administrator and finds that the role involves paradoxes between controller and entrepreneur, master and slave, censor and publicist, and traditionalist and innovator. (DB)

A study investigated patterns in the characteristics, structures, budgets, administrators, and activities of multipurpose collegiate consortia over a period of 15 years. Results are compared with those of previous research on consortia, and some questions are raised regarding the visibility and viability of multipurpose consortia in higher…

This training module, one of four designed to help train people in effective leadership, provides materials suitable for an all-day workshop, two half-days, or a series of shorter sessions. Six activities help to describe the practices and lessons of well-managed companies. These include: (1) Managing vs. Lending; (2) Characteristics of…

Questions relative to unit strengths and weaknesses, mission, resource allocation, and desired leadership characteristics should be addressed prior to beginning a dean selection process. Responses to these questions may help instititions find a dean who can provide the desired type of leadership. (DF)

This reprinted 1970 article looks at the role of the university or college administrator, compares it to corporate administration and specialization, notes the importance of risking failure, and stresses the importance of being able to motivate others. (DB)

The responsibilities and skills of college development officers are discussed. The need for development officers has stemmed from financial problems that could only be solved through additional sources of revenue. In addition to understanding the concept and function of institutional development, the development officer must recognize that…

The president of CASE explains the 12 characteristics of a competent presidential assistant including: an other-person centered orientation toward life, identity with people individually, identity with humanity, efficient and accepting view of reality, deep interpersonal relations with others. (MLW)

This reprinted 1971 article reports on analysis of a 1968 survey of 221 research administrators in terms of organizational affiliation, duties and responsibilities, titles, and educational background. The paper argues that administration is like the doughnut hole, but research is the doughnut, and points out that research as an activity needs to…

Although women and minority administrators are becoming more common, they still must enter and learn to work within higher education institutions that are unaccustomed to their presence, much less leadership. Their careers often depend on whether they can successfully negotiate various double-bind situations. (Author/MSE)

A Society of Research Administrators national survey of research administrators gathered information on their organizational units, funding, professional, educational and personal characteristics, and areas of professional experience and involvement. Results are reported as compiled questionnaire response data and in the form of an administrator…

The role of the university research administrator has evolved from that of "mediator-expeditor" among faculty, university, and sponsor to that of regulator of the grants process. This has had a significant impact on the kinds of research administration jobs available, characteristics of research administrators, and nature and content of…

The successful college alumni director is one who can meet the professional challenge of providing opportunities for alumni to serve their alma mater and initiating programs and functions that serve alumni. Qualifications are identified: people skills, dedication, enthusiasm, honesty, good communicator, humility, and good money management. (MLW)

Results of a survey of 214 college presidents concerning their management styles are reported. Demographic characteristics are presented, observations about performance of basic management functions are made, advantages and disadvantages of style choices are examined, and similarities and differences between college presidents and executives…