College faculty live and work in four cultures: that of the academic profession, the discipline, the academy as an organization, and the institution type. Each of these influences how they function in the organization. Colleges should recognize and build on the sometimes conflicting cultures. (Author/MSE)

Five issues that emerge in institutional research when studying diversity on campus are identified: (1) the researcher is part of the change process; (2) in framing research questions, focus on the institution; (3) combining qualitative and quantitative methods can provide greater insight; (4) diversity touches all institutional elements and…

To effectively communicate agendas and goals, new college presidents need to acquire cultural perspective on their institutions, seeing the campus as a lived experience, interpreting its themes, and deciphering its shared meanings and symbolic processes. This allows him to experience the continuity of the institution and become part of it.…

Research indicates that colleges and universities that encourage hiring of diverse faculty and staff, promote diversity as an educational excellence issue, and reward faculty and staff for their efforts to foster diversity are institutions that have integrated diversity and quality issues. A comprehensive institutional approach to diversity is…

An address to faculty and staff considers the question of how quality can be improved at the various levels of a college. The importance of a shared sense of purpose is emphasized. Three goals of postsecondary education are discussed: to produce desirable changes in people; to do so through means that are consistent with social values; and to…

The role of institutional research in a college or university is closely related to the values, beliefs, and practices of those in authority. Institutional research has traditionally perpetuated asymmetrical power relations and subordination of some groups. However, institutional research can also be designed to promote cultural democracy by…

Four types of "borders"--alienated, coexistent, interdependent, and integrated--are discussed and applied to the university environment. University professors need to demonstrate leadership in negotiating borders. Whether the focus is on changing relationships with faculty or students or promoting equitable treatment for all people in…

Discussion of quality assurance in colleges and universities looks at theories and definitions of quality; four approaches to quality (traditional peer review, the assessment-and-outcomes movement, the Total Quality Management movement, and accountability and performance indicator reporting); the moral and ethical dimensions of quality; and ideals…

The Total Quality Management approach is used as a framework for a discussion of methodological issues related to diversity in higher education, including classification of race and ethnic information, data aggregation, and use of several key indicators (access to college, persistence, and student progress). (MSE)