Seven questionable types of college presidents are described: 1) "Do it yourself and get it done right," 2) the hip-shooter, 3) philosopher king, 4) everything in its place president, 5) "Let's take a vote" executive, 6) the timid soul, and 7) the bull in the china shop. The eighth type, the reasonable adventurer, is seen as the effective…

This debate explores the two positions: (1) that experience shows the dangers are overestimated and benefits understated, and (2) that there is still a conflict of interest and student terms are too short to be effective. (Editor/LBH)

A large-scale study of the extent of parent involvement on boards in preschool day care indicates that intensity of involvement, rather than the number of parents involved, is the key factor. The impact of parent involvement on staff and classroom environment also is examined. (MS)

Internal program review is presented as one aid to decision-making. A brief report of the present financial situation of higher education is first given, followed by consideration of the role of state governing boards, the lack of clearly stated goals in higher education, and a proposed model for ranking existing graduate programs and establishing…

The report of the American Association of University Professors' ad hoc Commission on Governance and Affirmative Action concerning the University of California's decision to end affirmative action in admissions, hiring, and awarding of contracts is presented. It outlines the events leading to the policy action, considers the educational impacts,…

Advice is given and sources of information are suggested for use of the Internet and World Wide Web. Services for news, business and commerce, literary offerings, online magazines, travel, and online instruction are included. The information is intended for new users of this information technology. (MSE)

This article offers suggestions for developing an effective and functional board of directors in private schools, especially Montessori schools. Suggestions relate to the creation of a strategic plan as part of the American Montessori Society accreditation process, the composition of the board and standing committees, the futility of seeking grant…

Twelve provocative statements concerning the college president's role, the selection process, and the board's responsibilities toward the institution and the administration are presented as material for discussion during the presidential search. (MSE)

Reviews the adoption of a three-part program for statewide library automation and the appointment of planning committees by the Board of Regents of the New York State Department of Education. The discussion addresses the recommendations of the committees covering general issues, databases, linking, training and consulting, and operational…

Ten issues concerning temporary leadership to be considered by the board in selecting an interim president are outlined. The considerations address timing, the process of seeking permanent leadership, objectives, length of term, insiders and outsiders, desired administrator qualities, the interim president's role in transition, public relations,…

Local business owners in college towns say they can't compete when an institution sells computers, pizza, or books. With unrelated-business income tax legislation a threat, institutions are addressing these concerns by cooperating with retailers. (Author/MSE)

Under a district court's order, the Louisiana's higher-education coordinating board and three other boards--historically Black Southern University System, Louisiana State University System, and the one for the other state colleges and universities--were to be eliminated and replaced by a single board. Mismanagement by Louisiana schools is…

Offers suggestions on the role and composition of Catholic boards of education. Indicates that internal and external communication; collaboration with businesses, government agencies, and other educational systems; consensus building; and regular evaluation of performance are crucial to the future of Catholic boards of education. (MAB)

Presents four case studies of the effects of changing chief executive officers (CEOs) on community colleges' effectiveness, culture, and structure, seeking to determine whether CEO succession phenomena in other contexts might generalize to community colleges and relate to governing boards' actions in the presidential selection process. (Contains…

Examines determinants of community college presidents' ability to influence organizational change, including methods of leadership succession, tolerance by college stakeholders, organizational history, and college power structure. Highlights the importance of presidents' relationships to governing boards, ability to maintain institutional…