This report by Paul Woodgates explores change initiatives in higher education institutions, considering why they are needed and why they are difficult to deliver. He outlines how universities should carefully design change projects to maximise impact and likelihood of success.

Higher education is deploying a range of innovative strategies in response to rising costs and financial challenges. This report presents findings from a NASPA [National Association of Student Personnel Administrators] study on cost-saving initiatives at three institutions. Each institution aimed to creatively address different areas affecting…

This article is critical of the implementation of massive open online courses (MOOCs) by institutions seeking the deep student learning often found in general education learning outcomes. Customized student interaction with an expert in the field is rendered impossible by the scale of mooc enrollment. Concerns are also raised about the economic…

Describes a study in which information was sought about the relationship between off-campus programs and state-level authorities and the extent of control that lies with either the institution or the state agency across the country. The methodology is presented and study findings discussed. (CT)

Factors affecting the optimal size of an integrated health care delivery system in an academic medical center are discussed, including: the institution's structure for survival; technology, innovation, and health care costs; and specific characteristics of the institution's education, research, and patient care missions. Several alternative…

It is suggested, from a political economy perspective, that interorganizational theory and practice skills should be further developed in the social work administration curriculum. Several alternative ways are described to integrate it in the classroom and field placement. (Author/MH)

The influences of computer technology on college nursing education programs and health care delivery systems are discussed in eight papers. The use of computers is considered, with attention to clinical care, nursing education and continuing education, administration, and research. Attention is also directed to basic computer terminology, computer…

By viewing individual communication services (voice, data, cable) as strategic tools in a communication infrastructure, Boston College (Massachusetts) was able to create an electronic communication environment with superior services at drastically reduced cost. The system provides voice, data, and cable access to every residence hall room,…

This study examined the extent to which a sample of 533 colleges and universities offer child-care services and whether they self-operate them or contract them out. It found that almost half of the institutions provided organized child care and that nearly 75% of such institutions operated the facilities themselves. (MDM)

Ways in which Gallaudet College has used innovative approaches in its outreach services during times of scarce resources are discussed. Gallaudet's outreach programs provide a range of services and advocacy to hearing-impaired populations, nationally and internationally. Outreach efforts are distinguished by their people-to-people focus, which…

Florida State University has implemented a financial aid delivery system that uses electronic fund transfer and an administrative voice message system to automatically notify the student of all financial aid transfers and provide detailed information on transactions. The system has streamlined the delivery process, and user response has been…

Public officials and student aid experts agree that the federal program delivery system is outdated, inefficient, and vulnerable to fraud, but they disagree on how bad the situation is and whether the Education Department has the structure necessary to fix it. A 1995 project to integrate all federal grant and loan programs into one system has not…

The purpose and direction of the Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA) quality improvement program are described. The background and context for the Pell Grant quality control (QC) design study and the meaning of QC are reviewed. The general approach to quality improvement consists of the following elements: a strategic approach that enables OSFA…

Nationally obtained public testimony, evaluations of previous studies, discussions of prior recommendations, examinations of federal reports, and review of federal investigations have identified serious problems that threaten to undermine the integrity of federal student financial assistance programs, as well as public confidence in their…

Student financial aid programs currently play a key role in general governmental support for postsecondary education, and this role is likely to increase in the future. The potential future impact of financial aid on institutions is discussed, with a consideration of program admnistration and alternative delivery mechanisms. (Author/JMD)