A rapidly changing global economy, shifting demographics, and concerns about our ability to maintain a competitive workforce have focused national attention on the educational systems of America's states, highlighting their critical role in ensuring a productive and creative future for our country. As a result, Americas colleges and universities…

The Computer Center at the University of Northern Colorado provides service to the entire University community in all areas of instruction, research, student services, and administration. Administrative computer applications have all been developed by UNC staff, and most of the major administrative areas are operating online. (MLW)

Discusses the efforts of the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS) to implement a statewide standardized electronic information processing system, the Institutional Information Processing System. Describes the steps taken by the NCCCS to decide on the appropriate platform, hardware and software vendors, and implementation timetable. (MAB)

A passive computer application using student course transcripts to group and arrange specific degree requirements to produce an advising worksheet is described, and the language used by a math department for this purpose is outlined. A sample advisement form resulting from the program is reproduced. (MSE)

The academic transcript system at the University of Calgary, a successful application that combines online and batch processing to generate student transcripts, is described. In addition to improved service to students and alumni, the registrar's operating budget has been reduced and productivity has increased. (Author/MLW)

SPARS is a computer data base management system designed to aid the college professor in handling his students' grades and other classroom data. It can handle multiple sections and labs, and allows the professor to combine and separate these components in a variety of ways. SPARS seeks to meet the sometimes competing goals of simplicity of use and…