Colleges and universities with mounting deficits may be tempted to sell surplus land for profit, but this is never a smart long-term choice. Through joint ventures and innovative financing, institutions can transform such holdings into development projects. In the current economy, there may be increased interest in such sites. (MSE)

Describes problems encountered in the development of a retail complex and garage by Rollins College, Winter Park, Florida. The college had owned the property since 1961, but faced many obstacles, including opposition by other developers and landowners, when the development process began. Discusses some of the community relations difficulties and…

For colleges and universities, development of underused assets can be compatible with or supportive of the institution's purpose and also be financially rewarding. Providing alumni retirement housing can enhance institutional ties with alumni, in turn boosting recruitment and fund raising. Successful development requires a unique blend of…

The second part of a two-part article addresses four key issues for higher education administrators to consider as they investigate real estate opportunities. They are (1) market feasibility; (2) development strategy; (3) financing; and (4) governance. Guidelines for innovative real estate projects even during the potentially difficult early 1990s…

A college or university thinking of leasing out facilities for an auxiliary activity on campus should consider including a percentage rent provision in the contract, to benefit from increased sales. Issues to consider include definitions and reporting of gross sales, audits of reported sales, and auditing procedures and reporting. (MSE)

Attributes of real estate that make it a desirable investment for institutional endowment funds include the uniqueness of each property, its function as a hedge against inflation, its function in stabilizing portfolio volatility, and the potential for income and diversification. (MSE)

Santa Clara University (California), located where housing costs are high, has developed a faculty housing assistance program to retain faculty. It consists of a shared appreciation mortgage loan, a low interest down payment loan program, and a rental stipend program to give tenure-track faculty an opportunity to save for home purchase. (MSE)

A campus's physical presence typically serves as the "front door" for key audiences and important constituencies, creating an initial and often enduring image within the community from which it hopes to attract students, faculty, and staff. Effective real-estate management presents opportunities to design a more inviting welcome sign.…

The central issue in determining taxability of colleges' unrelated business income is the tax's purpose: to eliminate unfair advantage of exempt organizations over tax-paying businesses. If the business is not competing with outside vendors and can be related to the organization's exempt purposes, income is not taxable. (MSE)

Opportunities for joint economic ventures of colleges and industry are discussed, and a variety of ventures undertaken by Duke University are outlined, including a health club, hotel, and office building. Tax and financing considerations are noted. (MSE)

Recounts the restructuring and resulting survival of Park University (Missouri) over the last decade. A process of evaluating the university's competitive strategy resulted in changes in tuition pricing; development of the Park School of Distance Learning, which serves primarily military installations; minority student marketing; and development…

The trend for universities to use their excess land for profitable real estate ventures in conjunction with private developers and builders is considered. One of the first institutions to embark on development was the University of Washington, Seattle, and one of the best known examples of university-sponsored development is Stanford University,…

Colleges and universities are turning increasingly to private real estate and property management companies to boost customer satisfaction with, and income from, student housing. Issues to be considered are examined, including the market profile, facility types and needs, maintenance and housekeeping, communications technology, complementary…

To cope with changing financial and demographic environments, colleges are encouraged to change management strategies. Suggestions are made for policy formation and improved use of human and material resources in the areas of fiscal management, student recruitment, staffing, campus management, academic programing, and links with business,…