To counteract the declining numbers of school business administrators and to fill a void in current programs of educational administration across the state and the nation, the State University of New York at Brockport Department of Educational Administration is implementing a new school business administration program (SBA Program) in September…

Computers have a great number of potential uses at the small college. A survey of the role of software in the effective use of computers is described. Hardware characteristics, spreadsheets, purchasing or developing software, and software information are discussed. (Author/MLW)

The career and administrative style of Mary M. Lai, who celebrates her 50th year as chief financial officer at Long Island University (New York), are discussed. Her perspectives on change in higher education and in the institution during that time, the administrator's role, current challenges for financial officers, and the college environment as…

College and university business officers must recognize the nature of current changes in higher education and alter their leadership methods to suit the times. Theories of leadership suggest strategies, behaviors, and abilities that business officers can use to shift from transactional to transformational leadership styles. (MSE)

Presents a view of ethics and morality as they may relate to the field of professional education. Defines ethics (identifiable values of individuals) and morals (identifiable values of social and culture-specific groups) as distinguishable but not separate and mutually exclusive normative theories of human conduct. (MLF)

When a practicing school business official teaches a college course, students can learn much about the real world of schools. Part-time or adjunct teaching at a college or university provides the official with a chance to refresh and extend his or her knowledge in the field. Offers suggestions for getting started, what to expect, and tips for…

Reports on the July 2000 annual meeting of the National Association of College and University Business Officers. Highlights included a keynote luncheon speech by Colin Powell and general session speeches on such topics as the social effects of the technological revolution on campus, college-business partnerships, college-community partnerships,…

In many colleges, the business office has been isolated from other departments. The modern college business office reflects the highly efficient and technologically supported activities found in industry that have resulted in better services to the whole institution. (Author/MSE)

There is good reason for college fund raisers and business officers to collaborate on common financial interests. Communication is a key element of such cooperation. Other needs include agreement on accounting and reporting of institutional finances, agreement on stewardship of gifts (particularly with restrictions or endowments), and common…

Research verified that school business administrators generally agree with the Association of School Business Officials International and Danforth Foundation model curriculum for school business administrators. Samples of 466 school business officials, 100 superintendents, and 100 representatives from educational administration programs were…

Discusses the use of peer institutions as a component in college and university financial and budgetary decision making. The use of peer institutions to establish points of reference is an inevitable outcome of pressures for increased input and accountability. The key factors to be used in determining the extent of a peer-institution match are…

Provides an overview of roundtable discussions by top business officers about how higher education can capitalize on strategic alliances. Describes how, by working with one another and with corporate partners, colleges and universities can avoid closing their doors or merging with stronger institutions. (EV)

Studies of what participants in the retirement plan of the Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association-College Retirement Equities Fund (TIAA-CREF) want and expect from their pension plan are summarized. The studies also sought to determine the similarities and differences in the attitudes of individual participants and participating institutions.…

The history of the American Association of College and University Business Officers is traced. After describing the historical background leading to formation of the association, different periods are covered, including the first or formative years (1939-1941), World War II, the postwar period, the decade of the 1950s, and the decade of the 1960s…

An examination of financial management in higher education institutions covers the management process and related activities, organizational structure and assignment of responsibilities, interrelationships of financial management decisions and other areas of the institution, and the use and coordination of financial plans within the institution.…