This facilities inventory report presents a comprehensive listing of physical assets owned and operated by the University of Alaska and includes, for each asset, data on average age, weighted average age, gross square footage, original total project funding, and the asset's plant investment value adjusted to the current year. Facilities are listed…

The Ethics Forum at Buffalo State College (New York), a program in which new ideas for addressing long-standing problems are fostered among faculty and staff, is described in the framework of a situational leadership model. The model allows analysis of the groups's highly directed, coaching, supporting, and autonomous activities. (MSE)

Higher education benefits from several United States tax law provisions, including deductibility of charitable contributions. Recent tax reform proposals could increase would-be donors' net cost by reducing tax incentives. This paper links lower tax rates to a significant future reduction in educational philanthropy. (18 references) (MLH)

Experiences of the University of Texas at San Antonio and Texas Wesleyan University illustrate steps in planning special events. Steps include reconsider the proposed event; coordinate with other campus activities; make a master plan; know the target audience; highlight unique features; build a budget based on facts; evaluate everything; and keep…

A literacy program for deaf adults is described including recruitment methods, assessment protocol, training methods and materials, and results of training on job-related and functional literacy skills. The program is housed in an existing literacy center on the Southwest Missouri State University campus. (24 references) (LB)

This guide is a strategic "ground level" guide for presidents and chancellors and other campus leaders that offers a working definition of public engagement for institutions of higher education, provides examples of campus-wide commitment to engagement initiatives, and proposes concrete actions for institutions, public policy makers, and…

Tenured and probationary faculty at a midwestern state university were asked to complete a questionnaire containing 21 merit-pay-related questions and five biographic-status questions. The typical faculty member preferred: (1) that 40% of their annual salary increment be allocated to merit; (2) that this merit component be controlled by their…

An inexpensive and rapid method for preparing accurate cost estimates of construction projects in a university setting, using a personal computer, purchased software, and one estimator, is described. The case against defined estimates, the rapid estimating system, and adjusting standard unit costs are discussed. (MLW)

The development of a policy manual by the University of Nebraska is described. Desired characteristics of a good manual include: basis in a sound codification system that provides for each area of governance responsibility, availability to all personnel and students, and loose-leaf binding. (MLW)

University of California (Stanford) administrators have used lessons learned from the restructuring and downsizing of the Union Pacific railroad in their strategic planning. Action teams to make recommendations on particular university problem areas were developed. University restructuring and downsizing activities of the past year have…

This document includes a successful model for implementing educational teleconferencing, the Geriatric Live Interactive Teleconferencing program at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). As a vehicle for continuing professional education, teleconferencing can transmit the latest information to large numbers of health professionals in a variety of…

A study was done at Panhandle State University (Oklahoma) examining whether high school grade point averages or ACT (American College Testing) scores provided a better predictor of freshman academic success. Study procedures included a review of the literature, meetings with the academic vice president and five deans, as well as examination of…

The first part of this study examined class attendance of 959 students in 17 sections of undergraduate psychology classes. It was found that class attendance decreased from the beginning to the end of the semester. An investigation of 117 of the students found that attendance displayed moderate correlations with course grades. Students missed…

A study was conducted by the University of California (UC) to investigate trends in community college transfer rates between 1965 and 1987; institutional origins, characteristics, and first-year performance of transfer students; and student persistence and graduation rates. Study findings included the following: (1) between 1965 and the peak year…

Reviews formula funding in higher education literature, including purpose, historical perspectives, definition and development, characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, and future trends. In light of citizen demands, the formula approach seems the best method to ensure a satisfactory relationship between state government and state…