The definitions and descriptions of "quality" in higher education, stated in universities' official publications, were compared to the institutions' stated organizational goals, using Amitai Etzioni's theoretical framework for examining modern organizations. Conclusions indicate four factors define quality education: faculty, research, students,…

A review of research suggests that major factors in job satisfaction among women in higher education administration are (1) perceptions of the communication climate; (2) elements contributing to chronic job stress; and (3) facets of work support. Within each category, a variety of elements are important. (MSE)

Little is known about the Asian Pacific American (APA) college student, but three problems may have important implications for teaching and learning: communication with and within the population; refugee waves; and generational identity. Educators should consider alternative and more appropriate strategies to avoid neglecting segments of this…

Details four strategies that have helped create a campus culture at Duquesne University (Pennsylvania) that embraces technological tools for pedagogical change: encouraging faculty to learn about colleagues' successful use of technology; stimulating faculty and departments to examine learning goals for students; providing faculty with information,…

This report summarizes results of two 1996 surveys of campus safety at public four-year institutions of higher education. Major findings included: (1) liquor law violations and burglary were the most common crimes, averaging 2.5 to 2.8 per 1,000 enrolled students; the incidence of violent crimes was much lower (.1 to .4 per 1,000 students); (2) 58…

Considers ways that factors in the college environment can negatively affect the performance and perceptions of self-efficacy of students and faculty. Discusses the problems and needs of a fictional science instructor suddenly confronting students unable to understand basic course concepts and of an older student anxious about returning to school.…

Colleges can use institutionally-sponsored internships, in-house opportunities to participate in the daily activities of leadership, to let employees learn the culture of leadership and interact with staff currently in such positions. Administrative internships at Pennsylvania State University, Eastern Illinois University, and Arizona State…

The extent to which a two-year college's effectiveness is linked to dominant organizational culture type (clan, adhocracy, hierarchy, or market) was examined. A survey of faculty and administrators in 30 representative colleges found that perceived effectiveness is strongly related to culture type, with adhocracy (characterized by employment of…

Sexually oriented conduct in educational institutions is no longer viewed as harmless loutishness best ignored but as an unlawful act that can result in litigation and severe penalties. On college campuses, the best method for addressing harassment includes formation of appropriate policy, complaint procedures, and a program of prevention. (MSE)

One of the principal drafters of Stanford University's regulation concerning verbal harassment on campus proposes an interpretation of the conflict between civil rights and civil liberties in this situation. Contrasts in the two approaches to injury and the public/private distinction are highlighted. The text of Stanford's regulation is appended.…

To maximize the effectiveness of their campus security systems while minimizing the institution's exposure to liability, campus administrators must understand the legal context in which their police or security personnel are operating as agents of authority. Some of these policy and behavior issues are explained. (MSE)

An Association of American Medical Colleges working group on student professional ethics suggests improving (1) admission criteria; (2) the medical school learning climate, including consideration of cultural diversity; and (3) communication of expectations to students. An AAMC initiative for instruction, instructional material development, and…

The role of the college or university chief financial officer in institutional risk management is (1) to identify risk (physical, casualty, fiscal, business, reputational, workplace safety, legal liability, employment practices, general liability), (2) to develop a campus plan to reduce and control risk, (3) to transfer risk, and (4) to track and…

A grounded theory study was conducted using open-ended interviews with white male and female senior, tenured faculty members. The setting was a major Midwestern research one university. Four male and five female participants, all white agreed to participate. An open-ended interview protocol was used. Following grounded theory strategies, open…

The impact on an organization's capacity to respond inevitably to changing needs of the many variables affecting the organization is considered, along with a framework for developing innovations, especially in a time when colleges are facing a period of contraction. A contingency approach to the management of innovation focuses on the influence of…