Author Margaret Wheatley discusses her theory that life and work are self-organizing and that organizations must be approached as dynamic, living systems. The interview focuses on how the theory applies to higher education institutions, university leadership, physical proximity in learning, development of communities of practice, attitudes toward…

Two higher education professionals discuss cultural issues that separate librarians and information technology professionals, and inhibit enlightened leadership as their changing roles cause professional convergence. Guiding principles for the information professional are outlined: developing oneself and a new generation of leadership; recognizing…

A brief questionnaire designed to help colleges and universities assess their crisis readiness is presented. Questions address such issues as written procedures, response team composition, campus information dissemination and media relations, and community relations. Ten items every college crisis plan should include are listed. (MSE)

One university's approach to institutional research to improve student retention is described. The urban, public institution has a large population of nontraditional students. A task force identified barriers to student success, using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Techniques for involvement of all constituencies and turning research…

Institutional researchers should know state and federal laws and attorneys general opinions applicable to higher education concerning open meetings and open records, and be prepared for information requests by media and concerned citizens. Case law is examined, and practical steps researchers can take are outlined, including knowing who will…

It is argued that college presidents should concentrate their efforts in five specific areas: (1) interpreting and managing change; (2) leading academic transformation; (3) balancing constituencies and their opposing claims; (4) finding financial resources; and (5) defending and promoting higher education, by meeting growing and inconsistent…

This chapter examines aspects of the life of the chair after the person returns to full-time service as a faculty member. (Contains 2 tables.)

This collection of five essays on public higher education in New York State treats challenges and conditions for public institutions during the current and continuing conditions of financial austerity. The first, "Productivity and Cost Containment: The Challenge of Public Sector Budgeting" looks at financial management and budgeting as…

The essays in this collection were written by John Lombardi during the 1970s while he was a resident scholar at the ERIC Clearinghouse for Junior Colleges. Following a foreword on Lombardi's life and work by a son and two daughters, John V., Mary Luciana, and Janice P. Lombardi, is an introduction by Arthur M. Cohen giving highlights of Lombardi's…

A series of articles is presented to provide information and orientation for new community college trustees and for those new to the Association of Community College Trustees. First, Victor H. Driscoll presents advice on the basic tools of boardsmanship. Next, Robert B. Prescott discusses the roles of the board of trustees, the board chairman, and…

A collection of essays is presented, primarily taken from a quarterly newsletter titled "The Department Advisor." The essays include: "A Few Suggestions to New Department Chairs" (Artin Arslanian); "Chairing the Small Department" (Robert Wolverton); "Common and Uncommon Concerns: The Complex Role of the Community College Department Chair" (Myrna…

This book deals with the processes of making decisions and deciding upon how various kinds of decisions are to be made in higher education. Two background chapters introduce the text, one covering the history of governance and one outlining various administrative theories. This section also discusses the reality of how institutions operate, which…

Future concerns that member institutions of the Southern Association of Land-Grant Colleges and State Universities share and perspectives on academic leadership for the future are considered. Future concerns include implications of the trend to have an abbreviated university week, a tendency toward larger faculty workloads, the need for financial…

The synergy among quality education, student development, and retention as goals for an educational institution provided the impetus for a group of colleges and universities to form a 12-institution consortium. The preeminent requirement for success along all three paths was collaboration between the academic and student affairs domains. (MLW)

A committee approach to small-college short-range planning is described that focuses on admissions, financial aid, academic programs, and budget and using task forces, representatives of the board, administration, and faculty, and strict adherence to a schedule of deadlines. (MSE)