A study examined factors in the migration of Iowa-resident first-time freshmen to institutions in adjacent states, including distance between the home state and destination school, tuition, institution size, perceived quality of the institution, the nonresident enrollment in the school, and state admission policies. (MSE)

Values and beliefs that govern educational practices are discussed, as is an alternative value perspective more consistent with the spirit of reform suggested by national reports. Reputational and resource views of excellence are described. Curriculum, teaching, grading, testing, and faculty personnel policies are discussed. (MLW)

Three kinds of research concerning quality in higher education (reputational, objective indicators, and quantitative correlate) are described and illustrated, the merits and disadvantages of each are discussed, and the present state of research on educational quality is examined. (MSE)

While department and program quality rankings could be based on such factors as how well the faculty teach, advise students, and perform service roles, in practice most rankings measuring achievement in graduate departments have been based on faculty research performance of various kinds. (Author/MSE)

Potsdam College's development and implementation of a survey concerning the institution's public image to enhance enrollment planning and recruitment efforts is outlined. Results of the survey are analyzed in terms of the project's overall planning objective. (MSE)

A series of surveys was used to assess the image of Southern Illinois University and to help identify institutional strengths and weaknesses. The surveys collected student and employee views on academic programs, policies, student services, facilities, and general functions. (MLW)

In the 18 years since the founding of the University of California, Santa Cruz, America's youth have turned from long hair to pin-striped careerism. UCSC made the transition with the help of an image overhaul emphasizing its mix of idealistic educational philosophy and rigorous undergraduate courses. (MLW)

Among the most dynamic influences affecting higher education is the increase in the for-profit postsecondary industry. In 2002, for-profit institutions constituted 12% of the four-year colleges and universities in the United States, continuing a rapid pace of growth that began in the late twentieth century (NCES, 2003). As the economy moves…

A method used at Bradley University to assess the institution's public image consisted of a series of paired descriptive phrases through which potential students could compare the school with their ideal college in academic factors, location, size, campus, costs, and career placement. (MSE)

Comparative data are gathered on (1) the institutional and nontransferrable fellow awards and (2) individual and portable awards of the Danforth Fellowship program. Results indicate that students attending elite universities will overwhelm their competitors in a national competition that is academically oriented and that open competition does not…

Diplomacy and political sophistication are as important as sound data and thorough review in the faculty layoff process. Distinguishing characteristics of institutions and departments affected by retrenchment and reasons for retrenchment are discussed, along with institutional research policies needed regarding release of data. (Author/LB)

When a new clinical sciences facility at the University of Wisconsin-Madison was scheduled to open it had a poor image due to budget problems, labor strikes, inaccurate rumors, and community distrust. An extensive program of receptions, media events, a dedication, and a health-planning conference brought new support. (MSE)

When a college or university's identity is closely linked to its education mission, the quality of student life and the effectiveness of the educational program assumes much greater importance. The talent development view of excellence that emphasizes the educational impact of the institution on its students is discussed. (MLW)

While many of the dramatic enrollment increases at Black colleges were at the better-known institutions, the overall enrollment growth appears to be more widespread than in past years. Freshman enrollment has increased more dramatically than overall enrollment. (MSE)

Robert B. Sloan, Jr., president of Baylor University (Texas), has encountered controversy over issues of faith, governance, and his style of leadership. Mr. Sloan wants to heighten both the university's Christian identity and its academic stature. (MSE)