After a period of rapid expansion, two-thirds of the branch campuses of United States universities in Japan have closed. A study suggests that the branch campuses were established largely to capitalize on short-term political, demographic, and financial factors, with little benefit. A deeper commitment to sustaining the overseas program and to…

The best-prepared college crisis managers go beyond planning and networking to compiling information on what the campus does to avoid and cope with problems, including (1) keeping lists of key campus individuals and establishing rapid access to media; (2) cultivating campus connections; (3) gathering information on contingencies; and (4)…

Effective college planning in a period of reduced resources requires that a comprehensive long-range plan, based on consensus, be in place before budgeting begins, so essential resources will not be damaged. The starting point for planning is a well-stated conception of the institution and of its subsystems and their interactions. (MSE)

Four university joint big decisions committees (JBDCs) were investigated to learn why they were established, their relationship with the traditional governance structure, functions within standard models of campus organization, and impact on institutional planning. The JBDC is seen as a growing governing force on campus, especially during periods…

Discusses the importance of strategic planning to higher education. Addresses the need for postsecondary institutions to evaluate their environment and develop a strategic plan. Presents the components of strategic planning, i.e., mission statement development; analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats; and strategy…

Information on retirement investment planning is provided for college and university human resource managers, focusing on what employees need to know about maximizing contributions to the 403(b) plan without becoming liable for penalties for excessive savings. Calculations are explained and illustrated with a hypothetical case and data charts.…

This paper offers a vision, referred to as the "network" vision, and a new set of strategies for higher educational institution management to meet the challenges posed by social and economic changes of the near future in the 1990s. This vision conceives of the modern higher education institution as an information-intensive organization…

This booklet is a guide to the planning process for members of governing boards of institutions of higher education. Generally, it sees the role of the board in planning as ensuring that planning takes place and insisting that plans are used regularly for decision making. The publication discusses the following five specific tasks related to this…

This booklet, intended for trustees of institutions of higher education, offers some instruction on the principles of risk management. Introductory information provides a definition of risk management, which is seen as a planning and strategic function, not solely as a financial or safety assessment. Individual sections then address the following…

The strategic plan for higher education in New Mexico provided for a comprehensive statewide planning process involving all institutions and the Commission on Higher Education. The process includes 5-year institutional plans with annual updates according to guidelines established by the Commission. The guidelines provide information on timelines…

A description is provided of the steps taken by Monroe Community College (MCC) between 1982 and 1986 to fulfill its current strategic planning process. Following an introduction and listing of strategic planning committee members, chapter 1 discusses what MCC hoped to accomplish through a formal planning process. Chapter 2 details the research,…

Monroe Community College (MCC) has been involved in strategic planning over the last 4 years. The following lessons have been drawn from these 4 years of experience: (1) all plans need to be seen as temporary; (2) no plan drawn up in the planner's office could be implemented if it ignored the fleeting, ambiguous nature of the college's and…

This collection of papers explores various aspects of strategic planning at Linn-Benton Community College (LBCC). First, an overview is presented, clarifying what strategic planning is not and describing the strategic planning at LBCC and its objectives (i.e., to develop a plan utilizing community and internal assessments that can be developed…

The adaptation of a typical corporate strategic planning process to a midwestern state university is discussed. The university found that an ongoing planning process with a yearly cycle offers several advantages not available with prior approaches, and that strategic planning is a culture that takes time before it becomes pervasive in any…

Strategic planning involves analysis of risks and opportunities; financial management entails balancing risks and resources to achieve institutional goals. A framework is suggested to help college administrators integrate the two functions. (Author/MSE)