The field of college mental health is changing dramatically, and we are approaching a necessary paradigm shift in how "mental health" is defined and addressed. This paper will outline two primary forces impacting how we think about mental health and how a systems change perspective might help us understand what comes next. We will…

Accreditation is important for ensuring and sustaining the quality of an educational program, but the process can be challenging. Higher education institutions are open systems that rely on multiple entities, such as faculty members, to assist with the accreditation process. However, there is sometimes a lack of buy-in and involvement from faculty…

In today's rapidly changing world, higher education is faced with challenges stemming from globalization versus localization, corporatization versus liberal arts values, and public versus private good. These challenges require creative approaches and innovations to develop new solutions. Additionally, tensions also exist within institutional…

Unsustainable living is a critical challenge for all sectors of society. While many universities promote sustainability by supporting campus resource efficiency and sustainability-focused research, these approaches fail to harness the full power of higher education. We argue that Education for Sustainability (EfS) should be at the heart of higher…

Purpose: This research aims to investigate and define the eight wastes of lean philosophy in higher education institutions (HEIs) by proposing a multi-stage model. Design/methodology/approach: The authors have used a specific multi-criteria decision-making method, fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory, to investigate the…

This qualitative research examines the similarities and differences between three teaching departments within Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) in the Netherlands that provide effective and three that provide less effective quality management. What are staff members' conceptions and perceptions of quality, quality management and…

The study includes an analysis and results of a Deliberately Developmental Organization (DDO) effort in an academic department. In this study Kegan and Lahey's conception of a DDO is coupled with the Circular Questioning technique to deepen the intensity of the employees' participation. The ultimate goal of a DDO is to enhance the employees'…

North Park University's adult program has moved steadily from a centralized governance structure toward a more distributed structure in many ways. The School of Adult Learning hires its own faculty, some of whom are full time in the adult program. The school also has autonomy over academic policy. Ultimately, this academic autonomy has fostered…

This paper explores the use of systems theory to inform the mainstreaming of sustainability in a university's functions as it responds to sustainable development challenges in its local context. Offering a case study of Rhodes University, the paper shows how the use of systems models and concepts, underpinned by a critical realist ontology and an…

This article describes a departmental initiative designed to integrate the teaching of graduate and undergraduate sociology through research methodology and the completion of actual research projects. The goal was to develop a multilevel team approach within which faculty, graduate students, and undergraduates would view their work as part of a…

A modified systems program has been developed at the University of Ottowa that incorporates advantages of the systems approach into whole-class teaching without increasing demands on staff. A total of 387 lecture and laboratory hours previously assigned to organ pathology and clinical departments are allocated to committees representing 12…

Describes a department-level budgeting system that uses computer assistance. (IRT)

Argues for a multifocused divisional unit versus the traditional single discipline communication department for institutions that are generally small (6 to 10 thousand students) and where enrollments overall have leveled off for both the institution and department. (KEH)

The methodology is reviewed and recommendations offered regarding alternative administrative structures. A more systematic study of the literature is advocated, along with the establishment of a reference group of administrators to act as advisors to the research team. The research must be focused on more than one department. The systems approach…

Reported are the results of a study to test a partial systems model of academic department performance for improved decision making and organizational developmental. A variety of outcomes, input variables, and departmental structure and process elements are examined. Comparisons with organizational effectiveness theories are made. (MSE)