Clout, or the authority invoked in certain situations, is discussed as it pertains to public relations officers. Five ways to cultivate the president are presented and some effective power plays are described. (MLW)

Reports the use of a newly developed measures of communication support behavior. Investigates mentoring and other relational support behaviors among academic professionals to determine the effects of communication support on various indicators of success. Finds that patterns of communication and success differed by gender/mentee status. (MS)

When college budget problems lead to difficult decisions, the inherent differences between the business and academic areas may become exaggerated. Business affairs administrators are wise to make the effort to establish and maintain good communication with faculty. The rewards are trust and more effective administration. (MSE)

This survey of nine journals identified two distinct cultures in mental retardation research: classification by level of retardation (usually by psychologists and special educators) or etiology (usually by geneticists and psychiatric researchers). The paper discusses varied effects that genetic etiology may have on behavior, issues in reconciling…

A University of Innsbruck (Austria) faculty development program brought faculty of different disciplines together to support each other in action research to improve teaching. Participants examined what they want to accomplish in the classroom and how to accomplish it. The program has also fostered interdisciplinary cooperation and institutional…

The female principal and male assistant principal of a small rural elementary school completed the Hall-Tonna Inventory of Values resulting in each individual's value clusters, leadership characteristics, and ethical profile. The two administrators' leadership characteristics, goal values, and means values were often in conflict. Both would…

The role of the transition liaison professional, who is knowledgeable in medical terminology, hospital procedures, and educational/community services for helping children with chronic illnesses, is explained. Discussion covers effects of recent laws, the need for a formal discharge program and planning model, and the many functions of the…

Reviews the literature on mentoring teachers, focusing on bilingual and bicultural education and emphasizing issues relevant in urban settings. An interactive model of mentoring is proposed in which bilingual teachers, whether mentors or new teachers, can share perspectives sorely needed in this age of increasing cultural diversity. (SLD)

Guidelines for collaborative, interdisciplinary teaching at the college level are presented, including: restricting the team to two members, in general; agreeing on a trial period; selecting a coteacher with a healthy psyche; selecting course content fertile for interdisciplinary learning; discussing teaching philosophy and methods; reviewing…

This article proposes that the task of providing useful information for deans and department heads has major implications for the role and preparation of college and university institutional researchers. Six areas for consideration are examined: local needs assessment, data integrity and interpretation, collaboration, skills and knowledge bases,…

Five domains of a comprehensive view of educational equity are examined: the classroom, teacher-teacher relations, school-community relations, institutional operations, and the professional organization. Each component affects the other parts and the whole. (25 references) (LB)

Advice for college alumni administrators on selecting, preparing for, and working with a new president includes participating on the selection committee; getting to know the president and his administrative style; adopting the president's point of view; demonstrating to him the campus' assets; introducing him to alumni; and working cooperatively.…

There is a desire on the part of most developing nations to be like other developed nations. Educational facility planners can attempt to plan functional and effective schools that take into account local conditions, customs, and materials. Facility planners should recognize the knowledge and experience of local architects and educators. (MLF)

Lessons learned by the University of Arizona through participation in two major scientific projects, construction of an astronomical observatory and a super cyclotron, are discussed. Four criteria for institutional participation in such projects are outlined, including consistency with institutional mission, adequate resources, leadership, and…

Study examined perceptions of interdisciplinary collaboration (IDC) within 12 Ohio institutions of higher education (IHEs) that prepare educational personnel. Faculty/administrator questionnaires regarding IDC indicated IHEs are not prepared to model IDC; funding for IDC must be external; IHEs must penetrate perceptions about various disciplines;…