A framework and a derivative course of action to higher education institutions as they move through transition from an industrial to technological society are presented with reference to Alvin Toffler's "The Third Wave." The concept of equilibrium/disequilibrium is the theoretical basis of the framework. Three models demonstrate the…

The steps taken toward office automation by the University of Maryland are described. Office automation is defined and some types of word processing systems are described. Policies developed in the writing of a campus plan are listed, followed by a section on procedures adopted to implement the plan. (Author/MLW)

Five alternative approaches to computer operations are reviewed including: using a service bureau, joining others in operating a computer center, using in-house personnel for hardware operation and software development and maintenance, purchasing softward, and entering a full or partial facilities management agreement. (MLW)

The need for a coherent information systems development strategy that integrates both voice and data communications with computing into the campus computing environment is described. The need for a strategy, as opposed to a set of goals, in light of rapidly changing technological parameters, is discussed. (MLW)

The concept of distributed computing is discussed and reasons for coordinating decentralized computing at an institutional level are presented. Ten coordinative actions that an institution might decide upon are offered. (MLW)

Typical higher management expectations for the planning process are explored, along with why these expectations cannot always be met. Some limitations to planning for computer services are proposed that can make planning meaningful for operational concerns. (MLW)

Florida International University is one of nine public universities in a state university system that provides computer support by the SUS Computer Network. An administrative computer user's committee was established to aid in the determination of universitywide priorities. (MLW)

Five administrative user departments at San Francisco State University discovered that they had common requirements for office automation and data manipulation that could be addressed with microcomputers. The results of a local area network project are presented. (Author/MLW)

A strategic plan for the University of Miami charts specific objectives, programmatic and financial, that will lead it to prominence among the nation's teaching and research universities. Long-range plans for the information systems and academic systems of the university are discussed. (MLW)

A 10-month strategic planning study for the California State University 19-Campus system's administrative information management systems is discussed. The Administrative Information Management Systems Project (AIMS) addressed student and curriculum management, financial aid, financial management, human resources, and faciliites management. (MLW)

The Office of Information Services at Kent State University, responsible for academic and administrative computing, is described. Its goals are to support and facilitate instruction research, which requires the planning, acquisition, preparation, management, and maintenance of equipment and equipment sities. (MLW)

The development and implementation of an institutional framework to guide the management and use of information technologies (computing, office automation, and telecommunications) at Mount Royal College in Calgary, Alberta, are described. (Author/MLW)

Guidelines are offered to institutions seeking to interface their diverse student and administrative databases. Administrative costs associated with maintaining separate data systems are often unnecessary, and duplication of data can make consistent and accurate reports hard to achieve. (Author/MLW)

Results of a national survey investigating problems with aging college computer systems are reported. On average, 68 percent of systems were identified as aging (five or more years old or not under database management systems). Strategies for upgrading obsolescent systems are discussed, and the role of planning is emphasized. Anecdotal information…

In the 1960s and early 1970s, statewide planning efforts usually resulted in plans for centralized hardware networks. The focus of statewide planning has shifted to the issue of improved computer financing, information sharing, and enhanced utilization in instruction, administration. A "facilitating network" concept and Missouri efforts…