Examines national survey results on consideration given to rural colleges in state funding formulas. Reports on various modes of recognition for small size and rural environments. Gives synopsis of funding formulas for 50 states. Concludes that most states do not meet fiscal responsibility for low-cost, two-year postsecondary, rural education.…

Dental administrators, it is suggested, must examine their internal organizational operations and begin to refine their management techniques in order to adhere to current resource limits. Basic requirements of a management system allowing dental schools to increase operating efficiency are outlined. (Author/MLW)

The evolution of management information systems in higher education is traced, with contributing factors noted. Benefits are summarized and shortcomings are discussed with emphasis on their limitations as the basis for resource allocation during an era of budgetary stringency. (Author/JMD)

One of the developers of Cabrillo Unified School District's Basic Proficiency Monitoring System outlines basic principles for designing and implementing such a system: believe in the process, concentrate on the fundamentals, keep it simple and inexpensive, and always follow up. (SJL)

Using the audited financial statements recommended by the NACUBO/AICPA guidelines of 1974, it is possible to provide an institution with a consolidated statement of changes in financial position while maintaining its present financial statement format, distinctions among its major fund groups, and its comparability with other institutions. (MLW)

Autonomy, in the context of higher education, is defined as the ability of a university or college to govern itself without outside controls. Autonomy and academic freedom are discussed and procedural and substantive autonomy are distinguished. (MLW)

Nine characteristics thought desirable in the design of internal budgetary processes for state-funded institutions of higher education during a period of declining resources are presented. Characteristics are devised to deal with minimizing delay and conflict, and the politics of the budgetary process. (Author/MLW)

Under the leadership of a new president, Arkansas College engaged in a year-long evaluation and planning process. The "Small College Academic Management Project" (SCAMP), aimed at dispersing academic decision-making authority while maintaining the necessary decision-making accountability relationships, is described. (MLW)

The recent decline in test scores may be linked to declines in textbook purchasing. When knowledge and society are changing so rapidly, up-to-date instructional materials are crucial to the educational process. Re-using old texts because money is tight is false economy. (SJL)

Several ways for a comptuer services director to effectively manage the resources available for such services are discussed. Case histories from Miami-Dade Community College and other South Florida schools are included. (SF)

Although a substantial portion of hospital beds are in institutions that are in multiple hospital systems, the possible benefits to be gained through participation in such systems do not appear to be of sufficient magnitude to either core teaching hospitals or their parent universities to persuade them to join or form a multiple system.…

Focuses on program evaluation of vocational education from four different starting points (context, input, process, and product evaluation) and the purposes to which each is directed. (Editor/TA)

Proposes a system to restore equity to public education while encouraging cultural pluralism. Advocates separating the decision-making responsibilities for finance, school design and operation, and school assignment of students. (Author/IRT)

Some states are using rewards and incentives to entice public colleges and universities to improve quality and meet long-term state goals. Performance funding generally represents a small portion of an institution's budget but appears to substantially affect institutional performance, lessen funding fluctuations, and promote funding stability.…

A new law lowered the 1992 earnings cap that made it difficult for college students to qualify for Pell Grants, the largest federal source of need-based student financial aid. The measure also raises the Pell Grant maximum award, increases the National Institutes of Health (NIH) budget, and makes other changes in the law. Details of l998 budget…