A study examined the relationship between determinants of organizational climate, including communication, staff, utilization, interdisciplinary politics, reward and support services, and nurse stability in critical care units. Results indicate significant interunit differences. (MSE)

An experimental program at the University of Woollongong (Australia) identified a quality management framework, developed indicators of institutional performance, created a database for user-defined information needs, and provided access to information at all institutional levels. The project explored use of performance indicators and demonstrated…

A Wellesley College (Massachusetts) requirement that students take at least one course on a non-European culture is being reevaluated by faculty. Some feel the requirement is vague, and both conservatives and liberals express concern over emphasis on multiculturalism. (MSE)

A comprehensive model of information seeking which contained antecedents, information carrier factors, and information-seeking actions was developed and tested. Results of the tests suggest that the most important variables were those related to an individual's existing information base. (80 references) (AEF)

Reports on a survey of staff members of a state legislature comparing preferences for face-to-face, telephone, written, and electronic mail communication channels. Finds preferences significantly related to the type of communication task undertaken and that, in some instances, electronic mail was preferred over either the telephone or face-to-face…

This article highlights several strategies that are crucial for successful school-community relations: (1) know your audience and build a relationship with them; (2) identify key influential constituents; (3) make budget information available and interesting; and (4) ask instead of tell. (LMI)

Argues that the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is no longer useful to parents who want to play a meaningful role in educational reform. It discusses six areas of PTA ineffectiveness in supporting parental participation and the parental backlash from those who feel the need to challenge the status quo, including the PTA's deference to the…

San Joaquin Delta Community College has created a graphic, electronic office environment called "Virtual Desk" to operate on employees' desktops. It is a front end to the computer network depicting a desk on which are mounted a calculator, spreadsheet, notepad, calendar, word processor, electronic mail, and file drawers and bookshelves.…

A study investigated the effectiveness of career information services in British institutions of higher education. A survey of attitudes and information activities in 24 placement services and more detailed analyses of 4 programs are reported. Some good practices are identified, as are shortcomings resulting from indifference, poor communication,…

Colleges and universities can use electronic services such as bulletin boards and electronic mail to both reach out to and keep in touch with alumni. Such services are already being used with some success. Many institutions will find that the technology is already in place on campus. (MSE)

Techniques for college public relations professionals to use in promoting a cooperative relationship with the student press are outlined. These include being available to students, having regular meetings, providing access to administrators, providing information that creates context for news, and releasing news directly to the student press. (MSE)

Five college and university fund-raising professionals discuss ways in which uncoordinated solicitations of gifts from the same prospective donor(s) by different schools or departments can be avoided by planning, coordination, and communication. Advantages and disadvantages of centralized and decentralized administrative approaches are considered.…

Discusses a case study of a research university's technology transfer policies. Explores the process by which organizational policies concerning faculty patent rights are defined. Identifies competing myths that structure deliberations of the university's technology transfer committee. Raises questions concerning competition among groups to define…

Recounts how several community colleges have reaped public relations successes through positive media coverage. Explains strategies for working with the media to get good coverage of college events and trends. Offers examples of award-winning communications efforts. (DMM)

Use of computer technology for specialized communication networks at University of California (Oakland), Lafayette College (Pennsylvania), Carnegie Mellon University (Pennsylvania), the University of Wisconsin at Eau Claire, and the State University of New York at Stony Brook is described. The systems feature different forms of internal and…