Strategic planning in universities is frequently positioned as vital for clarifying future directions, providing a coherent basis for decision-making, establishing priorities, and improving organizational performance. Models for successful strategic planning abound and often present the process as linear and straightforward. In this essay, we…

One of the seminal issues facing community colleges across the nation is how to promote diversity planning across the institutions as a vehicle for achieving organizational change. As community colleges continue to reach record enrollment growth, organizational planning that encompasses diversity will be a key component to serving the needs of…

This brief summarizes efforts to reform developmental education at Zane State College and the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC). Focused on accelerating student success and progress, the two schools pursued distinctive approaches to reform that aligned with their institutional missions and student populations. Recognizing that the…

In August 2005, Hurricane Katrina, the worst natural disaster in the history of the United States, forced the fall semester closure of Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana. In the aftermath of this unprecedented storm, the Tulane leadership set forth a plan for renewal to secure the survival, recovery, and sustainability of the institution,…

Cites (1) social and economic conditions leading to a reversal in attitudes toward adult education and (2) evidence of shifts in students and instructional methods. Presents a rationale for and considers several aspects of systematic college programing: on-going research and development; continuous evaluation; effective planning; and program…

In response to recommendations in the Illinois Board of Higher Education's Priorities, Quality, and Productivity report of November 1994, the 52 community colleges in the state prepared priority statements detailing specific college objectives for the current fiscal year (FY). This report provides the second update of the colleges' statements,…

In the face of reduced resources, increased levels of competition, and rapid technological advancement, it is critical that colleges learn how to plan for the future. There are four main phases of effective planning: development, implementation, evaluation of results (audit), and standardization. The Hoshin Planning model, which incorporates these…

Each year since 1994, the 52 community colleges in Illinois prepare priority statements detailing specific college objectives for the current fiscal year (FY). This report provides the third update of the colleges' statements, covering FY 1998. Brief statements, from one to four pages, are provided for the following colleges: Belleville Area…

The preparation of Drexel University faculty for the introduction of a microcomputing program is described. Faculty training had to be done on a variety of levels, from basic training in computer operation for the novice to advanced training in highly technical procedures and languages. Maximum faculty participation was sought throughout the…

The use of a strategic planning model to integrate a computer literacy component into an established general education program is illustrated. Key issues are identified at each planning model stage, which consists of: identifying appropriate goals, writing objectives, developing an action plan, identifying options/alternatives, identifying…

The staff development plan presented in this paper was developed in 1989 at El Camino College (ECC) in compliance with California Assembly Bill (AB) 1725. The first sections describe how AB 1725 funding will be used to enhance staff development at the college, report the results of several needs assessment activities conducted to determine the…

The key to long-term institutional effectiveness is a comprehensive planning process that identifies a few vital goals that can be measured by an institution. Effective strategic planning involves five key elements: process-based planning, a systemic approach, integration with the budget process, an effective deployment process, and appropriate…

In March of 1986, Miami-Dade Community College (MDCC) instituted the Miami-Dade Teaching/Learning Project (MDTLP) to help the college improve teaching and learning and respond to the needs of non-traditional students. This book uses a description and evaluation of the MDTLP to present practical guidelines for organizing, managing,…

In November 1995, Sir Sandford Fleming College, in Ontario, Canada, developed a proposal to establish centers of specialization, or clusters of related curricula or programs that are unique in a region, and to suspend or curtail existing programs due to funding shortages. Feedback was requested from the college community, with college-wide staff…

This guide provides information and suggestions for developing programs that meet the needs of older adults at community colleges. Recommended procedures are presented for the following stages of program development: (1) leadership influences, highlighting the process of hiring effective leaders, key leadership skills, and leaders'…