This story of the University of Massachusetts at Boston during the 1988-91 downturn in the state's economy looks at the preceding growth period, state and higher education response to economic conditions, the university's leadership situation at the time of first cuts, the strategic planning approach adopted, and lessons learned during the…

The Secretary of Labor discusses the relationship of education and the changing domestic and global economic climate. Educators are urged to work cooperatively to assure that growing disparities between economic groups does not produce a two-tiered learning society in which only some are prepared for lifelong learning. (MSE)

Both centralized and decentralized college or university development programs have advantages, depending on the nature and needs of the institution. Changing program structure may have consequences that reach far beyond fund-raising details. A survey of 10 institutions revealed some common characteristics and many hybrid forms of organization.…

A study examined the administratively sponsored rituals of academic and student life at a long-established, women's liberal arts college as metaphors for the ways students make meaning from the college experience. It is concluded that rituals can embody institutional mission, explain important educational processes, and shape views of the…

Two college faculty members offer thoughts about their own academic careers, the nature of academic life, faculty compensation, and social and educational changes. The comments reflect views emerging from different generational experiences. (MSE)

Eight steps to use in promoting the alumni office on campus and create lasting ties with other campus offices are outlined. They include keeping in personal contact with campus colleagues, staying involved in campus programs, keeping the top administrators and campus informed of activities, garnering support, being professional, keeping current.…

The relationship between business cycles and expansion in higher education in 1870-1985 is analyzed and compared for Germany, Italy, France, the United States, and Japan. In most countries, expansion corresponded to economic recession. Spectral analysis, used to explore the cyclical character of the phenomenon, was found to be a powerful…

Intellectual community in liberal arts colleges will come to life to the extent that educators take seriously the fundamental genius of colleges to connect knowledge with knowledge and learning with living. Liberal learning and its purposes must be central to faculty lives as teachers and stewards of their institutions. (MSE)

If college planning is to work, planners need to accept, understand, facilitate, and use the political processes within their institutions. Rather than try to inhibit or bypass political discussions about change, planners must learn new skills to marshal support for their strategic ideas. (MSE)

Presents a rationale for effective group leadership grounded in John Withall's articulation of selected beliefs of John Dewey, Kurt Lewin, and Carl Rogers. Teachers and administrators need more and better preparation in collaborative inquiry. Knowledge and skills in collaborative inquiry should undergird the successful functioning of groups of…

A discussion of experimentation with new and alternative funding mechanisms for higher education in other countries looks at the effects on the academic work of institutions. It is predicted that market approaches to funding higher education and the use of financial incentives rather than administrative intervention will continue indefinitely.…

A study of 564 college and university department heads investigated the most stressful situations, emergent themes, and differences between department chair and faculty stressors. Most stress came from heavy workload, time pressures, confrontations with colleagues, organizational constraints, and faculty duties. Faculty and administrative…

Shows how libraries can save money and energy with energy-efficient technologies, improving maintenance, and encouraging staff efforts to conserve energy. Specific techniques such as life-cycle cost analysis and energy audits focusing on lighting, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and water efficiency are described. Funding options and…

Describes the need for closing the business cycle in the recycling process. Discusses whether the government should mandate or the free market create uses for recycled products. Presents challenges associated with marketing recycled materials including what has been and what needs to be done to stimulate markets, encourage business, and balance…

The utilization of program evaluation is addressed and illustrated through the case study of a family reunification program at a New England child welfare agency. It is argued that evaluation is an exercise in power in an organization. Evaluators who understand power can work with the realities they find. (SLD)