Institutions of higher education face financial pressure to become self-sustaining (Gumport, 2001; 2000). This rapidly growing economic demand is negatively affecting the social mission of higher education (Kezar, 2004). Scholars suggest the implementation of a new model of higher education, one that blends a for-profit model with the traditional…

The aftermath of the international financial crisis of 2008/2009 and current economic downturn in the world economy has unsurprisingly put publicly-funded higher education (HE) systems under immense pressure in most parts of the world. Added to measures of the past 20 years, aiming at introducing cost effective management approaches imported from…

With the 2006 mid-term elections over, higher education will be an important topic in public policy discussions at the federal and state levels. State colleges and universities will need to stay informed and be prepared to take action as discussions about access, affordability, and accountability play out in the coming year. This issue of…

This position paper discusses the changes to the UC Academic Senate's regulations on academic freedom and on policies for teaching potentially contentious or political issues, arguing that the new regulation has not been adequately considered in light of its detrimental effect on academic standards. Whereas previously the university's policy had…

Ohio State University developed a formula to calculate the annual and renovation budget necessary to maintain campus facilities. The calculations can indicate whether an institution is gaining or losing ground in facilities upkeep. Many institutions need to nearly double past efforts to retain physical plant quality and maintain facility…

The search process for a new president at Salisbury State University (Maryland) yielded lessons for other institutions operating under open meeting (sunshine) laws. Factors found important in the process include search committee cohesiveness, committee leadership viewed by constituencies as open and objective, a single voice speaking for the…

The need for additional evaluation of university research support offices is supported through a review of the literature and an informal survey of these offices in public universities and doctorate-granting colleges. Regular, periodic evaluations are recommended. The suggested model combines internal, collegial, and peer evaluation for balanced,…

The report of the American Association of University Professors' ad hoc Commission on Governance and Affirmative Action concerning the University of California's decision to end affirmative action in admissions, hiring, and awarding of contracts is presented. It outlines the events leading to the policy action, considers the educational impacts,…

Argues that any college or university policy change that enlarges rather than restricts faculty roles must address five aspects of scholarship that interact with each other: scholarly activities; expressions of scholarship; motivations for scholarship; and quality and significance of scholarship. Offers a comprehensive model of scholarship and…

According to the federal Copyright Remedy Clarification Act of 1990, state colleges and universities can no longer claim Eleventh Amendment immunity against copyright infringement actions. Faculty and administrators must now be especially careful to understand copyright law requirements and limitations, including fair-use defense and remedies…

A study of 55 recipients of the University of California, Berkeley's Distinguished Teaching Award found most felt the award had little effect on their careers and provided little incentive to improve teaching. Four recommendations for making the reward structure more effective in motivating teachers to improve instruction are offered. (MSE)

Intervention is necessary to redistribute tenured positions among faculty of different ages and to prevent age group periodicity resulting from periods of growth. This intervention, corresponding to Britain's "new-blood lectureships," is not drastic but must be accomplished soon to avert serious staffing problems. (MSE)

In its search for a new president, the University of Michigan was forced, under open meeting laws, to invent a semi-public search, with governing board members unable to talk privately with search advisory committee members. However, the four outstanding candidates were brought into the process before it became public; next time, the search might…

Public universities, the states, and the citizenry have a long-established and productive social contract in American higher education. This partnership is being reinvented in a climate of changing attitudes and priorities. Four steps for improving the partnership are raising the level of dialog about higher education; addressing the meaning of…

Higher tuition coupled with more financial aid for those in need is more equitable than the low-tuition model where rich and poor pay the same tuition. Higher education, particularly public higher education, should be collaboratively financed by all those who benefit: federal government, the states, business, students, graduates, and families.…