This article inquires into the "calculative practices" that are used to regulate quality in higher education. After providing a historical snapshot of the antecedents of quality regimes, I discuss university ranking systems (league tables) and the UK's Research Assessment Exercise. I ask two questions: first, what do the visibilities of…

Although research on women's leadership extols the benefits of women's professional collaborations and mentorship, one cannot assume that all women are trustworthy and supportive of other women. This qualitative study explored the phenomenon of professional sabotage among women in educational leadership. Results revealed that, although women who…

A total of 150 university Web sites were segregated into one of three groups: accredited residential, regionally accredited online, and nonaccredited online institutions. The promotional imagery, marketing messages and marketing themes found on the landing pages of each university program Web sites were analyzed for similarities and differences. A…

Describes how Modesto A. Maidique, president of Florida International University, uses his business savvy and his connections in an effort to push it higher among the ranks of research institutions. (EV)

Obsession with institutional image, encouraged by the yearly rankings published by a major national news magazine, has led many colleges and universities to use questionable statistics to bolster public relations efforts. Manipulative reporting goes beyond standardized test scores to include athlete graduation rates and any other image-enhancing…

Why does it cost so much? is a question often asked about university construction. On college and university campuses, the cost of new construction and renovation will appear high relative to other construction efforts in our communities. Part of the explanation of the high construction cost lies in the complexity of what we build, the codes…

Can all the universities that claim to be "world-class" actually live up to the claim? If they could, would that be desirable public policy? It could be that there are so many different meanings of "world-class" that the term in practical effect is an oxymoron: the definition of "world" is determined locally when conceptually it should be defined…

Various aspects of the collegiate sports scene are examined with special emphasis on recruitment practices. It is suggested that college football and basketball satisfy two public demands: the desire for high level sports entertainment and (particularly in more remote areas) the need for national recognition of local accomplishment. In their…

The current trend toward academic gamesmanship, characterized by interinstitutional competition for faculty, gives the general public a superficial notion of academic excellence, deceives higher education supporters, deprives undergraduates of teaching that they are paying higher prices to receive, and gauges success by ephemeral standards.…

An institution that exists primarily for its own sake--that identifies itself primarily in terms of its resources and reputation--compromises its capacity as an instrument for improving society. Colleges need to transcend their institutional egos and concern themselves with their impact on students and society. (MLW)

Reacting to the competitive market for students, pressure from the corporate world, and national reports critical of outdated graduate programs, some graduate business schools are moving quickly to revise curricula, improve reputations, and find an educational niche. Some observers feel the changes are superficial and hurt basic business skills…

A national study found that since 1979, winning a national championship in football or men's basketball results in increases in applications for undergraduate admission in years following the championship. This was found both in absolute numbers and in comparison with schools not winning championships. Institutional data are charted. (Author/MSE)

In award programs designed to honor exemplary college teaching, common problems include selection procedures and criteria, bias toward popularity, competition versus collaboration, questionable incentives, and use of special awards to replace continuing rewards. An effective teaching awards program will pass three tests of selection validity,…

Values and beliefs that govern educational practices are discussed, as is an alternative value perspective more consistent with the spirit of reform suggested by national reports. Reputational and resource views of excellence are described. Curriculum, teaching, grading, testing, and faculty personnel policies are discussed. (MLW)

When a college or university's identity is closely linked to its education mission, the quality of student life and the effectiveness of the educational program assumes much greater importance. The talent development view of excellence that emphasizes the educational impact of the institution on its students is discussed. (MLW)