This theoretical paper explores the nature of narrative by examining its key characteristics as a communication tool and an independent mode of thought in the form of a literature review. The first section describes stories or narrative. The second section establishes links between narrative, change, and learning through the concept of…

As schools and youth-serving agencies struggle to meet the needs of at-risk children and families, interagency collaboration is being proposed as an effective, efficient means of service delivery. However, most writing on interagency collaboration has been from the perspective of service providers, not schools, and has given little consideration…

On August 18, 1995, California's San Diego Community College District (SDCCD) held a conference among district staff to discuss strategies for remaining competitive in the 21st century. This document presents the conference agenda and summarizes remarks made at the conference and conclusions reached by breakout groups. Comments from four…

A survey of rural New York residents examined community opinions about various traditional and nontraditional school performance criteria that could be used in a local "school report card." Completed surveys were received from 1,821 residents of 29 of the 245 small and rural school districts that participate in the New York Rural Schools…

Examines the role of reciprocity in bargaining interaction. Focuses on labor/management differences in communication structure; their impact on bargaining outcomes; and the effect of sex-role composition on bargaining communication. Results, among other findings, demonstrated that management relied on defensive tactics while labor specialized in…

Presents findings from a study assessing the reactions of 34 community colleges to California Assembly Bill 1725 passed in 1988, which mandated shared governance for the state's 107 community colleges. Concludes that AB 1725 is working as it was intended in the majority of schools. Contains 69 references. (JDI)

To accommodate new information technology, academic libraries have been enlarging and updating their facilities. Presents case studies of four small college libraries to examine their approaches to planning and incorporating technology into new facilities. Factors considered include flexibility of environment, thoroughness of need assessments,…

Evaluation research has established that college student ratings of faculty are reliable, valid, and widely used. However, resistance continues. Minimizing this resistance is crucial, and designating an influential change advocate within the institution can influence acceptance of a new system. Research on institutional contexts for evaluation…

The evolution and structure of a Temple University (PA) roundtable on teaching, learning, and technology are explained, including the activities of its subcommittees on changing the organizational culture, teaching and learning, and distance learning. Issues and themes emerging in roundtable discussion are noted. (MSE)

Urban university leaders must reestablish public confidence through communication, clear mission and identity, deregulation of higher education, confrontation of fiscal realities and urban mission, and a recreated sense of community. Leadership types include several models and the complex challenges of urban universities demand effective…

Planning for a computer use "help desk" at Kenyon College (Ohio) was constrained by very limited resources. However, careful and thorough planning resulted in a low-budget, homegrown, but highly effective facility. Staffing, training, staff communication, and marketing the service were essential elements in its success. (MSE)

Ten steps to success in multicultural campus-activities programming are outlined: seek new perspectives; learn issues and terminology; learn how the three stages of diversity apply to programming; build alliances with other student groups; co-sponsor events; build bridges with faculty; include educational components in programs; be creative; reach…

Describes a Duquesne University (Pennsylvania) Saturday baccalaureate program in organizational leadership and professional communication designed for adult students, who bring unique needs and experiences to the classroom. Discusses the challenges and opportunities confronting instructors of adults and the methods of instruction and assessment…

This article proposes that college students will contribute most effectively to institutional assessment efforts if they understand how meaningful their input is. This can be accomplished if the assessment system is compassionate, considerate, convenient, communicated clearly, cohesive, understandable, concise, committed, attributes improvements…

In recent years, the trend has been to involve college faculty in faculty reduction decisions. Experience suggests that for faculty participation to be effective, it requires accurate financial statements and mutually understood goals, appropriate governance and contractual mechanisms, and establishment of humane means of addressing the needs of…