Examples of qualitative investigations of traditionally hard-to-measure college and university characteristics using multiple investigators are rare, despite their potential for in-depth understanding and broad comparisons of institutional contexts. A team approach to qualitative multisite research was found useful and effective in a 9-researcher…

The developing field of institutional advancement is introduced and defined, the role of the administrator is discussed, and research needs and obstacles are examined. Focus is on the role and projects of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. (MSE)

A study analyzed relationships of 7 institutional characteristics and 5 fund-raising outcomes over 605 institutions in 10 types. Statistical analysis was used to describe how relationships of characteristics and outcomes vary by institution type and specific donor and to identify institutions with effective fund-raising programs based on…

Applies segmented labor market theory to university faculties. Portrays college instructors who teach outside tenure or tenure-stream appointments as being in the external labor market. Examines the demographic characteristics, teaching load, level of remuneration, and commitment to research of these instructors. Relates within-profession…

A review of some alumni research conducted at Stanford University (California) and the ways the findings have been used indicates the range of development and alumni-relations issues for which market research can be valuable. It also demonstrates the value of ongoing, rather than occasional, research. (Author/MSE)

Describes a project of the Coalition for Networked Information, founded in 1990 to advance scholarship interest in the networked-computer environment. The project coordinated work of seven higher education institutions in conducting assessments of their campus networks. Topics discussed include the networking climate on campuses, why assessment is…

At the University of Alberta (Canada), the Amazon Project is identifying and mapping continuing-professional-development activities and resources available through the University. The project has met challenges related to definitions of terms, lack of relevant information and statistics, and faculty suspicion and resistance. (SV)

Describes how distance education has begun to influence the environment for conducting research about institutions, student assessment, and strategic planning, and identifies challenges. Also presents the results of a survey of institutional researchers regarding ways in which they are responding to research demands driven by distance education,…

Institutional research parallels preventive law in purpose and practice. Both help minimize problems and identify strengths in reaching institutional goals, identify and evaluate opportunities to accomplish goals, identify problems and solutions, find alternatives needed to minimize problems, and provide insights into future hazards and…

In spite of substantial investment in retention in Indiana higher education, there have been only a few well-designed studies that evaluate the effects of these interventions.

A distinct lack of clarity regarding the identity of university-based continuing education seems commonplace. Continuing educators have tended to focus on the institutional structure of continuing education, linking its identity to its degree of centralization, size of budget, and whether it houses its own faculty members. This paper suggests…

Like many sectors in society, the teacher preparation community is working to address challenges the nation faces in relation to global competitiveness. This document highlights institutions around the country that are preparing tomorrow's teachers in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Well-known shortages of…

This paper addresses the practice and experience of Universitas Terbuka (UT) in the provision of learning support services for students in a large-scale distance education system. The UT, which has a network of 37 regional offices and participating institutions, has challenges to provide and manage effective learning support system for more than…

As an enterprise that relies heavily on state funding, public higher education has long seen its support rise and fall with the boom-and-bust cycle of the economy. This chapter examines how the University System of Maryland repositioned itself as a state system able to thrive in an era of permanently diminished resources and perpetually escalating…

Electronic portfolios (eportfolios) represent an assessment measure with strong potential to provide feedback about student performance to improve curricula and pedagogy, to determine individual students' mastery of learning and support feedback for improvement, and to actively involve students in the assessment process. This study examined the…