"Spectacular error" sounds euphemistic compared to "devastating," "catastrophic," or "meltdown"--terms more commonly summoned to describe the credit crisis and ensuing global economic carnage. Whatever they are labeled, gross miscalculations on Wall Street are having a deleterious effect on college campuses across the country, with many…

The counterintuitive approach of the world's greatest value investor, Warren Buffett, may be the best hope for colleges and universities during this recession. Buffett's time-tested philosophy of seeking value and investing for the long term remains a sound approach, even if his short-term returns have declined along with those of the rest of the…

Describes development and implementation of a four- page strategic plan at Colby-Sawyer College (New Hampshire). Notes initial small group meetings of faculty and staff to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Explains the resulting plan's format which is organized around eight critical areas, three institutional goals, and…

Offers guidance for a college or university's investment committee on management of endowment funds. Considers traits of a good committee, the importance of long-term planning, the role of consultants, the important role of the committee chair, and the need to monitor professional managers' performance. (DB)

A college governing board can become more directive without resorting to micromanagement. This requires a strategic plan providing focus and direction, a disciplined monitoring of the plan, a close working relationship between trustee committee chairs and administrative counterparts, and an atmosphere encouraging trustees to ask the right…

Discussion of endowment management for colleges and universities focuses on common endowment problems and common investment mistakes. Recommendations for boards of trustees include development or revision of written rules governing the structure of the investment committee; hiring or expanding investment staff and specialized consultants; and…

Encourages college and university boards of trustees to plan for a recession despite the current flourishing economy and positive campus finances. Analyzes effects of recessions on tuition and discusses the need for each state to address its long-term structural deficits. Urges the creation of reserves and moderation of spending growth. (DB)

Urges institutions of higher education to evaluate their mission statements in light of current trends, especially the pervasive influence of information technology. Raises evaluative questions concerning information technology and distance learning, student services, the campus library, research computing, administrative computing, and public…

According to a recent study of 150 leading private colleges and universities, raising tuition/fees faster than the growth of family income is self-defeating. It forces institutions to divert some new revenue into financial aid, narrows the applicant pool, and undermines the social contract supporting need-based aid. (MSE)

Five college and university board chairs discuss briefly the two most important strategic goals they have set for their institutions, and how they ensure that the board addresses issues and priorities in the context of those goals. Institutions represented include Alma College (Michigan), the Montana University system, Maricopa Community College…

Before college and university leaders rush to capitalize on distance education, they should be aware that the boom may not last. Although distance education is an attractive option in light of demographic shifts, it is costly and demands may change substantially. An institution's overall technology plan should include a business plan, curriculum…

Many colleges address complex problems with a single "silver bullet" strategy. Because value shifts according to the consumer's situation or goal, private colleges should become more aware of their "situational value" and exploit it. This requires an understanding of how students choose colleges. In contrast, popular silver bullets target…

Ten questions for college and university trustees to ask when considering policy concerning campus information technology are presented. They address short- and long-term planning for academic and administrative computing, continuity of funding, integration of existing information resources, faculty computer literacy, campus wiring, access to…