The experiences of Wellesley College (Massachusetts) with developing a long-range plan for institutional survival in the 1990s illustrate the value of two strategies: devising a planning process that reflects the institutional culture, and spending time early in the process to gain broad agreement on basic financial principles and planning…

The experiences of Aurora University, a small university that not only raised money but established new links with donors, are described. The key to fund raising is selling an idea. As donors become more sophisticated, sentiment and traditional patterns play a less significant role in motivating donors. (MLW)

Douglass Cater, president of Washington College, a small liberal arts college that was Maryland's first chartered institution, is profiled. The president's attitudes on liberal arts and specialization, the stated role of the college, and details of the inaugural ceremony are noted. (MSE)

An effective energy conservation program, it is suggested, will require institutional changes and capital costs. The energy problem is seen as not simply a technical problem but a management one requiring the attention of the entire campus community. Some energy saving tips are provided, including quick fix items and investments. (MLW)

The Department of Justice has issued civil investigative demands to some colleges and universities. The demands require institutions to submit information on how they set tuition, fees, faculty and administration salaries, and financial aid awards. A rebuttal explains that the overlap group (23 northeast colleges) meet regularly to ensure…

Creating separate student-aid programs for the proprietary and nonprofit sectors of higher education will be one of the most bitterly debated issues in the upcoming reauthorization of higher education law. A major point of contention is the matter of hugely disproportionate default rates among students in the different sectors. (MLW)

Notes from the diary of a private, church-related college's new president reveal some of the responsibilities, variety of roles, frustrations, and triumphs of the first year on the job. Among the issues are financial problems and fund-raising, faculty concerns, planning, public and intra-institutional relations, alumni concerns, and rumors. (MSE)

Connecticut College's intensive summer academic program involves high school students and their teachers, parents, college faculty, and college students in the minority recruitment effort, building a support team for college-bound students and providing an experience that is mutually beneficial for all parties. (MSE)

Substantial changes made in the college of education of the University of Tulsa, an urban private university, in the wake of declining enrollment and general questioning of institutional mission are chronicled, including the elimination of all but three programs and development of certification components in two areas. (MSE)

Economic dependence on federal support has increased while the debate over the nature and scope of government influence on higher education continues. Examples of this influence in hiring and admissions, academic policy-making, research regulation, and support of private institutions are discussed. (Author/MSE)