Presents a case study of the Virtual Retina project (an instructional CD-ROM for ophthalmology students) at the University of Alberta as an example of strategic dissonance in an educational technology unit. Offers methods to analyze the external competitive environment and internal capabilities of educational technology units. (EV)

Suggests that the ideal relationship between the writing center and an English department's writing program is almost symbiotic, each benefiting the other and both forwarding writing as a powerful tool for writing. Describes the writing centers at Montana State University and University of Nevada, Reno. (RS)

Explores theoretical and administrative tensions arising when the freshman writing program is not directed by the same faculty who teach in the graduate program. Discusses the effects of these tensions on the writing program and those who teach in it. Explores ways to resolve such conflicts. (RS)

Personnel responsible for telecommunications systems need a way to ensure pursuit of the right technology at the right time does not lead them away from considerations of the right price. A three-step method of historical and monthly reviews offers a straightforward means of regaining control of expenditures and tracking costs. (MSE)

As campus student volunteer activities have grown, colleges have acknowledged the need for better organization by hiring recent graduates to coordinate them. The young deans have proven to be both enthusiastic and effective at this task. (MSE)

Focuses on the issue of deciding whether or not to place theatre specialists on tenure track, non-tenure track, guest artist, or staff lines. Lists factors which require analysis, such as type of institution, departmental mission, departmental size, and requirements for promotion and tenure. (MS)

The author discusses events, charges, and studies related to national park policy and administration and attempts to bring them into a unified focus through a public policy framework. Attention is centered on the natural-area parks of the western United States. (CH)

Discusses the Sexual Abuse Treatment Project in terms of its theoretical foundation, physical characteristics of the treatment center, and process of treatment. Provides two case examples of treatment. (RJC)

Describes the process of administering grants provided to disadvantaged adults taking a nursing assistant course. Topics include (1) recruitment and screening, (2) coordination of the grant monies, and (3) major accomplishments. (CH)

Supporters of the new direct student loan program are critical of the private loan-guarantee agencies that cover lender losses on defaulted loans, portraying them as greedy, inefficient, and plagued by conflicts of interest. In turn, the agencies and banks doubt federal capacity to manage student borrowing. (MSE)

This article provides organizational charts and brief descriptions of the public relations (PR) offices operated by Boston University, Webster University, and Austin Peay State University. The descriptions focus on staff size, staff titles, staff organization philosophy, strong and weak points, and advice for PR people in similar-size offices.…

Every college alumni program needs a mission statement specifying why it exists. In creating a statement, administrators should consider who designs it, drafts it, must endorse it, must adopt it. When institutional purpose and resources change, it can be redrafted. It should be an active guide, regularly reviewed and used. (MSE)

Adult and continuing education should move beyond traditional, production-oriented views of leadership toward reconceptualizing work, learning, and leadership in terms of programs, policy, politics, people, and the profession. (SK)

A 10-step process is outlined for college decision makers assessing the feasibility of self-operation, contract management, or some combination of these for management of a specific service or function. The role of the governing board in decision making and acceptance of ultimate responsibility for success is also discussed. (MSE)

Publications can be helpful in promoting planned giving to colleges. Suggestions address basic brochures, response forms, a planned giving column, advertisements, bequest mailings, a year-end tax letter, newsletters, fund description, and assets inventory. Simple or sophisticated, they can be effective marketing tools. (MSE)