Examines the development of federal efforts that have shaped the interaction between colleges and students. Offers a historical overview combined with the major themes of the day, such as equalization of opportunity; student equity, access, and choice; paradoxical demands; the federal role; and outcomes of federal involvement. (Includes 53…

Discusses the increasing use of individualized self-study formats (e.g., outcomes-based, objectives-based, effective schools criteria, two-tier). Considers the objectives/rationale, procedures, directives, and guidelines for individualized format self-study. Describes the general model and K-12, multiple-schools, and effective schools criteria…

A model of quality assessment for higher education that incorporates both accountability (representing extrinsic values) and peer-review/collegiality (reflecting intrinsic values) is outlined. It is presented in both a historical context and the context of experiences with quality assessment in North America and Western Europe. (Author/MSE)

Examines the complexities, costs, and questions in planning and implementing feasible, reasoned assessment created by the dual phenomena of assessment and student mobility. Highlights institutional responsibility, student competence, timeliness, multiple and redundant assessment requirements, and lack of interinstitutional collaboration as issues…

The Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award is a controversial management award program seen variously as a catalyst for organizational transformation and as a destructive influence. The core values of the program, award criteria, concerns about its impact, and implications for education are examined. (MSE)

Research suggests that students make their college choice based on their perceptions of the institution's image. Smart, aggressive, well-administered institutions see their image as their most significant asset and manage it carefully by prioritizing audiences, conducting market research, establishing clear goals, planning, and implementing the…

Describes a study of community perceptions conducted at Johnson County Community College (Kansas) utilizing telephone interviews of service area adults. Reports that the overall evaluation of the college was positive, although the majority of respondents were not aware of several of the major functions of the college. (MAB)

Outlines the accreditation standards used by one organization as the basis for the formal accreditation of college and university counseling programs throughout the United States and Canada. The standards reflect the program elements and practice standards deemed as essential in a counseling center that provides high-quality services to students.…

First, the role of the association of universities in the Netherlands in external institutional evaluation is examined. Then, three basic tenets of program assessment are discussed: (1) university programs must be of academic quality; (2) program content must not be too compressed; and (3) programs should be challenging for students. (MSE)

Strategies for promoting efficient control of quality in colleges and universities are examined. It is proposed that integration of external review and institutional self-evaluation can be used to support the goals of accountability, efficiency, and institutional effectiveness. (MSE)

The experience of Napier University (Scotland) with new mandatory quality assessments is examined, focusing on issues arising in the first two rounds of evaluation site visits, including defining quality; role of the lead evaluator; framework for the visit; role of the student; quality of the reports; and cost-benefit analysis. (MSE)

Benchmarking, associated with quality management philosophy currently common in higher education institutions, identifies processes considered to be the standard to emulate. A benchmark student administrative services area represents the best related processes brought together in one institution. A benchmark institution is described. It is argued…

Describes practical considerations for presidents of colleges undergoing accreditation, e.g., building consensus in the college community, empowering faculty and staff, establishing accountability-oriented planning models, creating a research-based organizational infrastructure, formalizing the management of planning and accreditation processes,…

Describes the effects of preparing for an accreditation visit on small colleges, focusing on best use of limited resources and appropriate responses to the review agency's report. Offers suggestions for college presidents on garnering collegiate and community good will during the accreditation process. Suggests that accreditation costs and…

This paper argues that the quality evaluation trend in European higher education reflects the state's effort to gain greater control over higher education. First, performance indicators are imposed, and then this technical form of evaluation is used to steer the higher education system toward the labor market. (MSE)