Use of portfolio assessment as a planning and evaluation approach for institutional research in higher education is discussed. The portfolio method involves clustering seven critical performance indicators to guide campus efforts in working more realistically with issues of cultural pluralism and diversity. (Author/MSE)

The history of performance indicators for evaluation of institutions of higher education in the United States and Europe is chronicled to provide a context for understanding the definitions and methods used to develop them. Performance indicators are defined and described in relation to other measures used for assessment of institutions, drawing…

A faculty workload study and several related campus initiatives at Kent State University (Ohio) are described, including institutional participation in a roundtable on the future of the university and the initiation of a major institutional strategic planning process. A particular focus of the efforts is on an expanded view of scholarship in…

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,…

Franklin and Marshall College (Pennsylvania) has used institutional mission, strategic planning, lessons learned from previous experience, and sound general management principles to guide reallocation of resources during a period of financial constraint. The objective was repositioning, not retrenchment, and the resulting academic program is…

A study of 253 college presidents, academic vice-presidents, and deans investigated relationships of institution type, position level, and demographic variables with job satisfaction. Results indicated chief academic officers and deans were relatively dissatisfied with their work. Additional research and continued use of the Job Descriptive Index…

Historically, statistics have been important in intercollegiate sports. At first, the data were kept as game statistics, but more recently they have been used for institutional research, accountability, compliance with regulations, and public relations. (MSE)

As scrutiny of intercollegiate athletics programs increases, a likely means for evaluating athletics programs is self-study. This method can be valuable in enhancing internal decision making, help assure the institution and others of the integrity of the evaluation process, focus on key issues before they become problems, and improve campus…

A number of important resources on current and historical issues in intercollegiate athletics are identified including independent, government, and association publications and source addresses. A 24-item annotated bibliography of articles on the student-athlete is presented. (MSE)

A local study of faculty attrition in a four-campus university system examined two factors not considered in national studies: discipline and campus location (urban or rural). Lack of forecasted increases in local demand for faculty puts into question whether special action to increase faculty supply is needed. (MSE)

Qualitative case studies of graduate students, focusing on student socialization, are critical for understanding the student experience. Because of the departmental nature of graduate study, cross-departmental studies may be not be as revealing. The qualitative case study approach is particularly useful in examining minority student experiences.…

Factors influencing individuals with firm job offers to join the faculty at two research universities, urban and rural, are examined, focusing on the relative importance of tangible, intangible, and non-work-related benefits in the decision-making process. Comparisons are drawn to previous faculty recruitment studies and a complementary retention…

Describes how Prince George's Community College developed an institutional research-based approach to accountability reporting in response to Maryland's statewide accountability requirements. Offers specific examples of the application of institutional research data to the development of accountability plan objectives. Identifies several issues…

Describes the centralized research model used by Miami-Dade Community College. Explains that the district's central office assumes responsibility for conducting all phases of the institutional research program (e.g., determining the research agenda, carrying out projects, monitoring projects, and disseminating results). Highlights strengths and…

Summaries of the design, planning, and implementation of performance funding programs in Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Washington reveal the challenges and opportunities of this reform approach. Performance measures and objectives and the history of the program in each…