An examination of recent experiences in the varied institutions of The University of Wisconsin System suggests valuable lessons regarding the impact of various approaches to faculty reduction. Principal provisions of retrenchment regulations are summarized. (Author/LB)

New strategies for allocating limited resources to achieve maximum program effectiveness in times of declining enrollments coupled with inflation are discussed. A model for resource allocation is proposed and a case study presented. (Author/SF)

Administrative computing in higher education and its implications for the management of colleges and universities are explored. The evolution of administrative computing is traced from the use of minicomputers to the implementation of a management information system. (Author/SF)

It is recommended that colleges and universities considering building renovation or new construction first conduct a feasibility study to uncover existing conditions, avoid potential problems, explore design options, and determine comparative costs. A seven-step process for such a study is outlined. (MSE)

Proposes that the nature of institutional research has expanded as colleges and universities adapt to new challenges and conditions and that institutional researchers need to become knowledge industry analysts. Reviews the history of institutional research and identifies 21st century challenges, such as changing patterns of diversity and academic…

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…

The purposes and nature of institutional research are described as well as its role in institutional governance and of the contributions it can make to the functioning of postsecondary institutions. The first section in the booklet discusses the nature and purposes of institutional research by describing several forms of research and comparing and…

The study described in this report was designed to determine student enrollment trends and the service area of Arizona's Phoenix College (PC). Headcount and full-time student equivalent (FTSE) data were collected for fall semesters from 1985 through 1989. The average yearly change in enrollments was calculated and presented in table and graph…

An effective environmental scan will improve the quality of community college planning and decision making by alerting institutional leaders to the challenges and opportunities in the environment. Scanning can be done in three ways: (1) establishing a scanning committee to gather and synthesize information to guide planning; (2) sponsoring a…

Focus group research, which involves the exploration of a carefully selected research question by a group of homogeneous subjects, is a qualitative research tool which seems to be a quick and easy means of staying abreast of the educational needs and expectations of community colleges. However, it is difficult to moderate focus groups and…

By helping to concentrate the efforts of all organizational units on institutional goals, by establishing research-based information systems, and by learning to allocate scarce resources efficiently, institutional researchers can offer numerous benefits for the management and operation of 2-year colleges. A comprehensive institutional research…

A rapidly emerging, traditionally Black university--North Carolina Central--examined its goals in a study that shows how the results were used by the institution to improve itself. Reasons for the study, procedures used, and the results are discussed. (Author/LBH)

Presents a model of community college decision making based on institutional research illustrated using a case study of Pueblo Community College (Colorado). Describes three stages of an action plan including curriculum renewal, development of assessment and remediation services, and image improvement. Reviews results of research-based activities…

This compilation of reports from Southeast Community College in Kentucky includes the 1998-99 Annual Report, the 1997-98 Enrollment Report, the 1999-2000 Annual Plan, and Action Strategies for 1999-2000. Sections include: (1) Message from the president (cover letter, mission statement, and vision statement); (2) Annual report 1998-1999 (brief…

This book offers a step-by-step approach to marketing for educational institutions, especially colleges and universities. The book is organized into three broad sections. Section 1 makes the case for marketing in six chapters which address: (1) challenges which are or will affect colleges and universities; (2) the role of institutional mission,…