A pilot survey of institutional research and planning (IR/P) functions at 78 U.S. colleges and universities yielded data on common and diverse tasks, products, and services; broad staffing and related operating expense requirements for these tasks, products, and services; and specific staff "person days" required to perform/achieve each…

An image assessment study was conducted by a young, rapidly growing, public university to provide accurate and timely direction for student recruitment and communications activities. The study consisted of opinion and attitude surveys mailed to 4,500 current students and 22,000 alumni. The survey explored student and alumni satisfaction with…

Results of an evaluation of the yearly planning and budgeting process of the National Technical Institute for the Deaf at Rochester Institute of Technology are presented. To examine the effectiveness of modifications to the 1985 planning and budgeting system, 42 questionnaires were completed by assistant and associate deans, directors,…

Sample procedures, data formats; questionnaires, and explanations are presented that institutions can use to adapt and implement the planning process described in "A Handbook for Institutional and Academic Program Planning: From Idea to Implementation" (Kieft, Armijo, and Bucklew, 1978). Materials are designed for use by two-year and four-year…

In spring 1994, New Mexico State University's two-year campus at Grants (NMSU-G) initiated several projects to prepare for a 1998 accreditation visit. This report describes the following projects undertaken to gather data for the accreditation self-study document: (1) a fall 1993 focus group with students, detailing institutional strengths, areas…

Using the conceptual framework outlined in "Building Communities: A Vision for a New Century," a 1988 report of the American Association of Community and Junior Colleges, this guidebook explores eight phases in the development and implementation of a strategic plan. Chapter I provides an overview of the planning process and the essential…

In spring 1991, a survey was conducted of 991 community and technical colleges nationwide to determine the extent to which they engaged in environmental scanning (ES) activities. In particular, the study sought to identify those institutions that currently conduct environmental scans; the nature of the links between ES and program development,…

The concepts of need and needs assessment are examined in the context of information needs for college administrators. A description is included of the conceptual framework underlying the Needs Assessment Information System (NAIS), which was developed by the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems. Attention is directed to: (1)…

Several sets of outlines, charts, and diagrams present an overview of a comprehensive institutional program at Delaware County Community College (DCCC) which incorporates planning, research, and marketing strategies. The first set of documents outlines the objective-based planning process, describes the organizational framework, defines…

In order to assist college and university officials evaluating their institution's financial condition, a simplified workbook approach is presented. The approach encourages administrators to systematically examine the financial condition of their colleges with a tested and specified set of data-gathering and computational steps. The workbook…

In 1989, a survey was conducted in the San Diego Community College District (SDCCD) to assess the opinions and perceptions of district staff regarding the current planning process. Questionnaires distributed to all 5,000 SDCCD employees and citizens advisory group members asked respondents to rate 31 aspects of current college planning and…

In September 1992, the Research and Planning Division of Pima Community College (PCC), in Arizona, conducted surveys of administrators, faculty, and classified staff to evaluate three offices in the division: Institutional Research; Computer Services; and Planning. Usable responses were received from 23 administrators, 32 faculty, and 46 staff,…

Student educational outcomes and the quality of instruction are now being monitored by several programs at Worthington Community College (WCC) in southwest Minnesota. WCC, one of the 20 community colleges in the Minnesota Community College system, currently serves 875 students, and has been intensifying its efforts to serve the whole service area…

A project was undertaken by Coahoma Junior College (CJC) during 1980 to strengthen its institutional research and planning efforts in the areas of adult and continuing education. During the course of the year-long project, a consultation team led by two nationally prominent, retired educators carried out a series of planning activities, which…

A study was undertaken at Amarillo College (AC), in Texas, to evaluate the services offered by the college and generate data to provide a basis for personnel planning, the continuation of programs, and the development of new programs. Computerized surveys were developed to ensure increased efficiency in tabulating results and to standardize the…