A contexual model is introduced to simplify planning, to provide an understanding of institutions as interpretive systems, to guide the implementation of better strategic planning, and to provide a research paradigm that may integrate research findings for a better understanding of how the strategic variables are related to one another.…

A case study of Seattle University and its relationship with the City of Seattle--its governmental institutions, community, and policymakers--is presented. A model for viewing the formation of urban-university policy is presented and the roles of key events and actors are discussed. (Author/MLW)

The implications for colleges of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which prohibits discrimination against individuals with physical disabilities, are examined. The scope of the law, sections of special relevance to higher education institutions, and appropriate responses are discussed. A plan for policy formation and administrative action is…

Increasingly, college and university planners use "future searches" to find common ground on values, issues, and directions for innovative action. These intensive large group conferences bring together a cross-section of stakeholders, such as school leaders, parents, state education administrators, faculty, students, industry representatives, and…

It is argued that institutions of higher education do not have the organizational capability to enable them to respond to expected external changes in a productive, planned systematic way. Strategic planning is seen as the appropriate mechanism through which institutions can adjust and adapt to new environmental requirements. (MLW)

It is argued that well-conceived college and university mission statements can be useful in setting objectives for planning and for public information dissemination and marketing. The experience of the University of Calgary (Alberta) illustrates a successful process of drafting and reaching agreement on such a document. (MSE)

Two models for administrative decision-making are delineated that were derived from an analysis of the logical properties thought to be inherent in well-formed or reasoned decisions. Both models were designed to avoid the difficulties encountered when administrators view decision-making as an "art." (Editor/LBH)

The process and outcome of a planning system are affected by the different perspectives held by senior participants in an institutional planning system. A review of the literature of planning in higher education was conducted to identify characteristics an institution should have prior to starting a planning process. (MLW)

Reasons for the failure of many academic master plans are examined, primarily through the analysis of several short case studies. Practical suggestions are offered that may help colleges in developing those plans and in decision-making. (LBH)

The understandings gained about academic planning--particularly under conditions of institutional stress--are perhaps the most significant aspects of the University of Vermont's recent experience in building a planning process. The need for realistic goals is emphasized. (LBH)

Information systems in higher education are not effective, it is suggested, because currently only formulators and users are involved with them, when planners and policy makers should also be involved. Ways of meeting needs or anticipated demands for information should be assessed on three criteria: structure, frequency, and accuracy. Implications…

The more successful planning approaches lie in mobilizing the organization's support and readiness for planning, creating a climate in which successful planning can occur, involving constituents in the planning process, careful attention to communication, and the attention given to proper dissemination of process results. (MLW)

The vice president for education and research of the Ford Foundation finds that in the last decade important changes have occurred not only in higher education's "planning environment" but in general attitudes toward planning as well, and that a sound plan for the future seems likely to become a top priority in both foundation and…

An account of planning's evolution at American University emphasizes the importance of building flexible working relationships among the various representatives of the university community and the planning staff, in support of the faculty-student relationship at the core of the learning process. (Editor/LBH)

The author's suggestion that the ultimate goal of public policy should be to eliminate tuition in higher education is discussed. The idea is supported with a consideration of the high value of postsecondary studies to the individual student and to society--a value best measured on a number of scales and not reflected solely by income and…