Higher education has long been viewed as a social elevator. The path to a higher education credential, however, is complicated for students from low-income and/or minoritized communities. This report provides a snapshot of digital tools designed to help students with college exploration, college admissions, and financial planning. To set the…

Installation of a small computer and the use of specially designed programs has proven a cost-effective solution to the data processing needs of a university medical center's ophthalmology department, providing immediate access to grants accounting information and avoiding dependence on the institution's mainframe computer. (MSE)

Briefly discusses several financial counseling programs that emphasize service to families; also provides examples of home economists who practice family money management counseling. (TA)

This training guide is intended for use by personnel who administer Federal Direct Loan Programs at institutions of higher education. Chapter 1 describes the program, the school's role, school eligibility criteria, the Department of Education's role, the 7-step electronic data exchange (EDE) process, and quality assurance. Chapter 2 explains…

Many crucial questions need to be answered before a college embarks on a construction project and makes a substantial financial commitment. Computer modeling techniques can be used to make even complex project feasibility analyses. Available from Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co., 345 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10154. (MSE)

Computer hardware and software alone do not improve a financial management system. They are only the tools that carry out commands. College business offices and related administrative functions must commit effort to improving the overall system. Available from Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co., 345 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10154. (MSE)

The Total Medical Record (TMR) system is an integrated computer record that associates medical and administrative data in a single system. TMR provides a framework for effective medical care and efficient business management. (JN)

Many colleges and universities have found introduction of a student technology fee troublesome. At the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a carefully designed explanation of what the fee buys has won the endorsement of both student leadership and trustees. The plan articulates costs, distribution of fees, and accounting. (MSE)

In response to sharply rising student debt, the University of Illinois at Chicago, in conjunction with Wheaton College and the University of Chicago, has helped design microcomputer-driven software to teach students about loan programs, assist in personal financial goal analysis, define expectations, and integrate budgeting and financial planning…

General types of computer programs and some representative titles currently available are described and outlined, including programs for electronic spreadsheets, word processing, database management, statistical analysis, graphics, telecommunications, and personal use. (MSE)

This training guide for a one-day workshop provides an introduction to the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program for administrative personnel at higher educations institutions. The seven sections of the guide, each corresponding to a single workshop session, include activity sheets, questions for participants to answer, and space for notes.…

Health care costs at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (New York) were projected to double between 1986 and 1990. The university has met cost-reduction goals through varied approaches, planned future cuts in overall costs by studying its employee population and is working toward a flexible plan for diverse health care needs. (MSE)

Design concepts and techniques for building integrated executive information systems and decision-support systems for mission-critical college applications are presented from the developer's perspective. Financial planning, student retention, and enrollment demand are offered as examples of administrative applications. Sample screens are included…

Different approaches employed to automate the administrative recordkeeping processes within academic departments at three University of California campuses are contrasted: the University of California at Berkeley, the University of California at Los Angeles, and the University of California at Santa Barbara. The results are based on campus…

The University of the Pacific School of Dentistry's program to withstand the economy's downturn and reduced patient pools included frequent resource and expense projections, increased student and faculty productivity, increased clinic income, public relations efforts, improved money management, and computerized administrative systems. (MSE)