This guidebook offers an approach to understanding and centering the lived experiences of students from low-income and minoritized identities as they progress along their journey to a college degree. Universities that wish to achieve equitable student outcomes may consider using this approach as one of several that will inform and catalyze action…

All across the country, leaders in colleges and universities are asking the same question: What can we do to improve student success, especially for the low-income students and students of color whose graduation rates often lag behind? This second practice guide: "Using Data to Improve Student Outcomes: Learning from Leading Colleges"…

This paper provides background information for SUNY librarians, in particular those in the four-year colleges, concerning the budget preparation-implementation process. Included is a step-by-step summary of that process, in the form of timetables illustrating the interrelationships between the executive and legislative units of state government,…

This guide to independent study in Idaho begins with introductory information on the following aspects of independent study: the Independent Study in Idaho consortium, student eligibility, special needs, starting dates, registration, costs, textbooks and instructional materials, e-mail and faxing, refunds, choosing a course, time limits, speed…

The Ethics Forum at Buffalo State College (New York), a program in which new ideas for addressing long-standing problems are fostered among faculty and staff, is described in the framework of a situational leadership model. The model allows analysis of the groups's highly directed, coaching, supporting, and autonomous activities. (MSE)

Experiences of the University of Texas at San Antonio and Texas Wesleyan University illustrate steps in planning special events. Steps include reconsider the proposed event; coordinate with other campus activities; make a master plan; know the target audience; highlight unique features; build a budget based on facts; evaluate everything; and keep…

This guide is a strategic "ground level" guide for presidents and chancellors and other campus leaders that offers a working definition of public engagement for institutions of higher education, provides examples of campus-wide commitment to engagement initiatives, and proposes concrete actions for institutions, public policy makers, and…

Explores (1) how the appropriation system for funding the arts in public education works and (2) what administrators can do to ensure that the system serves the arts. (PD)

An inexpensive and rapid method for preparing accurate cost estimates of construction projects in a university setting, using a personal computer, purchased software, and one estimator, is described. The case against defined estimates, the rapid estimating system, and adjusting standard unit costs are discussed. (MLW)

The development of a policy manual by the University of Nebraska is described. Desired characteristics of a good manual include: basis in a sound codification system that provides for each area of governance responsibility, availability to all personnel and students, and loose-leaf binding. (MLW)

This document presents the State of Indiana Commission for Higher Education's 1998-99 academic year Student Information System (SIS) Instructions report, which provides information about the codes used in the SIS. The purpose of the SIS is to provide comparable, accurate enrollment and financial aid information in a uniform manner and on a timely…

A handbook of information for foreign students, visiting scholars, and visiting faculty members is presented by Murray State University (Kentucky). The following topics are covered: academic life, automobiles, the Center for International Programs, child care, credential (transcript) evaluation, emergencies, employment, English language, finances,…

Five changes in state politics are especially relevant to state universities' lobbying strategies: scarcer resources, greater government responsibility, citizens less supportive of government, more frequent use of referenda for policy decisions, and more complex interest group and campaign technology. State institutions must adjust their…

Factors leading to dissatisfaction with planning processes are identified, barriers to successful planning are described, and proposed solutions suggest a set of minimum characteristics applicable to all academic planning systems. Implementation of a program review system is discussed. (Author/LBH)

The multiple scenario analysis technique for organizational planning used by multinational corporations is adaptable for colleges and universities. Arizona State University launched a futures-based planning project using the Delphi technique and cross-impact analysis to produce three alternative scenarios (stable, turbulent, and chaotic) to expand…