A study of minority graduate student needs at Peabody College of Vanderbilt University (Tennessee) found three areas needing improvement: (1) recruiting efforts; (2) social support; and (3) cultural environment. A mentoring program was then designed to address these needs by providing a personal and academic support network for minority students,…

This paper describes the use of a comprehensive participative planning model for colleges and universities that includes processes of environmental scanning, proposed by J. Morrison and others, and key elements of the Objective-Based Assessment, Planning, and Resource Allocation System (OAPRAS) proposed by M. Capoor. The process is explained…

Results of the initial implementation of longitudinally-structured action research at the University of California, Irvine, are presented. The objective is to determine whether combining action research with an organizational cultures approach is a viable way to influence the culture of a research university. The intended outcomes include the…

The technical, social, and procedural phenomena that facilitate the effective utilization of analytic models in decision-making are examined. Attention is focused on the theoretical issues associated with: (1) selection and fit of the model to the needs of the decision setting; (2) human factors such as cognitive style and the political climate…

In this newsletter focusing on helping college students succeed, an introductory essay by David Shroyer examines experiences with developmental studies at the University of New Orleans and issues in serving underprepared students, especially problems of attitude on campus. Suggestions for success include: an informal support network, a team…

Provides a concise and interesting overview of the state of higher education in Cuba, specifically focusing on geography. The interests, methodologies, and programs of Cuban geographers are similar to other countries, albeit at a truncated level due to the United States embargo. Discusses international educational exchange efforts. (MJP)

With the infusion of technology into all aspects of daily life, students are becoming more and more adept at using technology as an educational resource. Many faculty, however, are not keeping pace with their students. Additionally, faculty feel increasingly unprepared to integrate technology into the classroom. Many institutions of higher learner…

In 1989, the Eastern Iowa Community College District (EICCD) undertook a project to develop a collective image of what the community college should be in the coming century. The reasons for seeking this "shared vision" were to create institutional focus, foster commitment, build communication, and reaffirm the college's mission and…

Ways that women are frequently treated in their relationships with faculty, administrators, staff, and male peers in campus situations and settings outside the classroom are discussed. Problems are highlighted in the following areas: admissions and financial aid; academic advising and career counseling; projects with other students and with…

An explanation of Project EASI (Equal Access to Software and Information), dedicated to helping higher education develop computer support services for people with disabilities, includes description of project efforts, statistics on disabilities, notes on personal cases, and information on applications of adaptive computer technology. (MSE)

Administrative systems renewal is not something the faculty will ever get excited about, but the authors believe there is much that can be done to render the academic community more receptive and even supportive. In this article, the authors use the implementation of their student information system (SIS) at the University of Saskatchewan (and a…

In 1991, the College of New Caledonia (CNC) (British Columbia, Canada) prepared this 3-year plan representing the college's vision of the future as it attempts to meet the educational needs of the region. Identifying key opportunities open to CNC, this nine-part plan describes CNC's mission, goals, plans, and objectives. Section I provides an…

New Jersey's plan for increasing minority group participation in higher education is presented. The plan, developed in response to declining minority enrollments, outlines eight goals for student recruitment and retention and the strategies intended to achieve them. The goals concern strengthening efforts to attract academically prepared minority…

This paper reviews the issues facing trustees of liberal arts colleges, including such external challenges as ideological criticism, college costs, national economic trends, and competition from other types of institutions. Trustees are urged to address such issues as external criticism of the institution, concerns of students and parents about…

Issues in Catholic higher education are considered in several articles. In "Catholic Students and Catholic Higher Education," Rita A. Scherrei summarizes research findings regarding the characteristics of incoming Catholic college students and how they compare with Jews and Traditional Protestants. Among the results are that Catholic…