College campuses are hothouses of data, including course schedules, degree requirements, and grades. But much of the information remains spread out across software systems or locked on university servers. Start-up companies want to pry the information loose from campus servers in order to offer personalized services that could transform the…

The evolution of PRIME networking at the University of Arizona is described. A network of super minicomputers dedicated to administrative computing was established that accommodated online, interactive applications and that supported a variety of software packages to aid in the rapid development of systems. The first microcomputer, a PRIME 550,…

Six steps in creating a master plan for the institutional computing system include: describing a mission for computing technology, establishing program objectives, matching the technology to the objectives, prioritizing alternative approaches, developing alternative approaches, and selecting the preferred approach. (MSE)

Partnerships are examined using information gathered in interviews with over 20 chief information officers or chief academic computing officers at universities considered leaders in information technology. Issues addressed include why partnerships are formed; four types; how they are formed; the importance of vendor contract; and impact.…

The common campus dilemma of decreasing or distributing central information systems (IS) resources while pursuing development of mission-critical systems that will require increased central IS support is discussed. Areas in which such increased support is needed are outlined, and the need for leadership is described. Specific steps are suggested.…

Document imaging, a technology that transforms printed text, figures, and pictures into computer-accessible forms, may be offered as a solution to document management problems involving space and personnel. Administrators and planners should understand relevant issues, considerations, difficulties, and options. Examples are drawn from the…

Describes the increasing trend of incorporating electronic commerce methods to purchasing systems at colleges and universities. Provides examples from the University of Pennsylvania, Harvard University (Massachusetts), California State University at Fullerton, and the University of California at Los Angeles. (DB)

The administrative computing operation of Clemson University is discussed. The university's computing history, computer hardware, and computing organization (including the Computer Center, administrative programing services, and information systems development) are described. (MLW)

Investigates the problem of assigning faculty to courses at a university. A program is developed that is both efficient, in that integer programming is not required, and effective, in that it facilitates interaction by administration in determining the optimal solution. The results of some empirical tests are also reported. (Author)

An award-winning administrator of a college computer system discusses the role of networking and teamwork in successful information management, drawing on experiences during recent political upheavals in eastern Europe for illustration. Other success factors stressed include having and sharing a dream and developing future leaders. (MSE)

Characteristics of a decision support system (DSS) and factors that influence system design are described, along with a decision support database at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Reasons that the institutional research office is in a unique position to support decision-making are identified. A review of the literature of DSS briefly covers…

Two functions necessary for managing a computer center (organizing and controlling) are discussed with a focus on a nomenclature that was found to be useful for identifying parts of a system and was compatible with the definitions of most operational systems. For example, it is necessary to identify files, reports, and programs used in daily…

Networking trends have accelerated the convergence of computers and communications. With this and the increasing need to share resources and information, educators are faced with many considerations concerning vendor selection, equipment compatibility, performance criteria, wire and cable specifications, and installation of selection systems to…

The planning assumptions on which Oberlin College's computer support staff encouraged incorporation of microcomputer use on campus are outlined and discussed, including computers as a higher education resource, networks, institutional planning considerations, encouraging staff and faculty participation, and computer staff support efforts. (MSE)

Boston University's (Massachusetts) online requisition system allows authorized users in 130 campus departments to originate a variety of transactions, eliminating all manual processing of requisitions. The system is described, its two-year system development cycle is chronicled, and its impact and reception by users are discussed. (Author/MSE)