Personnel responsible for telecommunications systems need a way to ensure pursuit of the right technology at the right time does not lead them away from considerations of the right price. A three-step method of historical and monthly reviews offers a straightforward means of regaining control of expenditures and tracking costs. (MSE)

A discussion of alternative investments for colleges and universities looks at the kinds of investments that comprise this group, rationales for making such investments, the advantages of diversification, risk issues, and ways to reduce risk, including careful selection of managers. Several strategies for getting started in alternative investments…

Active asset management has not been consistent or cost-effective for college and university endowment funds. Indexing offers higher returns than median active management, provides more investment stability, is available to small institutional endowments across a broad spectrum of investment asset classes, and at lower cost than active management.…

A plan that offers college employees an incentive to contain health care insurance costs is outlined. It consists of three parts: the institution's offering of coverage for claims above a certain level; an employee deductible; and an accounting system that rewards employees for keeping health care costs down as well as involving them in management…

The general structure and systems of the Internet and the National Association of College and University Business Officers' NACUBO Net are described, and the potential usefulness of their services to college and university business officials is examined. Some resources specific to higher education are highlighted. (MSE)

A study at California State University, Fresno investigated the relationship between Perkins' Loan recipients' (n=429) credit records, loan default rates, and age. For eight different age groups, credit checks revealed student distribution in four credit categories. Results show credit checks could have saved the program a great deal of money.…

Electronic methods of transacting and managing business represent the future of college and university services. With proper planning, an all-campus card program offers many benefits and full cost recovery. The extensive Duke University (North Carolina) smart-card program illustrates the flexibility, utility, and cost-effectiveness of the concept.…

Guidelines are presented to help colleges consider their matching gift program, to develop clear policies and procedures, and communicate them to interested and appropriate parties. Responsibilities of companies sponsoring matching gift programs are outlined with attention to policy and program administration. The eight policy recommendations…

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)

A revision in the federal regulations governing audits of student financial aid programs will require changes in present practices concerning student aid "servicers" that administer financial aid in small institutions and may lead to modifications in servicing contracts and financial terms. The new requirements are described in detail. (MSE)

The Colorado School of Mines' experience illustrates that with good planning and enough money, a small university can provide a high level of waste management service, complying with government regulations. Considerations in developing the plan include a segregation scheme for incompatible materials, vehicle selection, and costs of ongoing…

An organizational development and quality enhancement effort at the University of Cincinnati (Ohio) incorporating characteristics of several popular quality management systems has produced unanticipated benefits in the administrative services and information technologies division: downsizing was less drastic than anticipated; innovative financing…

Because of the integral relationship of student financial aid with student recruitment and retention, budgeting, program design and development, student services, and long-range institutional planning, it is useful to review organizational structure periodically to ensure visibility of the financial aid function within the institution. (MSE)

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…

The University of California (Davis) has revamped its workers' compensation program by improving accountability and safety, implementing safety training, informing workers of the costs of the workers' compensation program, designating a physician and physical therapist, giving light duty to injured employees, using sports medicine techniques, and…