Internal reform in higher education management will require containment of excessive administrative growth, streamlining procedures, shifting focus from individuals to the organization, encouraging leadership, restructuring governing boards, eliminating duplicated effort, clarifying priorities, revamping the reward system, and creating…

Pressure for cost containment is growing at even very financially healthy colleges and universities. Institutions need to think concurrently about cost containment in terms of temporary, mid-term, and permanent changes to institutional operations and priorities. It may be productive to reframe the issue as "funding priorities" rather…

This guide provides information for schools considering whether to participate in the Federal Direct Student Loan Program, and it offers advice on how to plan for and operate the loan program at an individual school. The information in the guide is presented in a way that follows the steps that need to be taken in planning and implementing the…

This guide was prepared for public institution business officers as a supplement to the "Guide to Implementation of GASB Statement 54 on Basic Financial Statements--and Management's Discussion and Analysis--for State and Local Governments, published in April 2000 by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) on GASB Statements 34 and 35.…

Explores how a close integration of university-level planning and budgeting is required to drive change. Discusses major professional challenges of achieving this integration, the infrastructure of an office of budget and planning, and professional pathways for planning and budgeting officers. Also describes the author's personal career path in…

In addition to legislative accessibility requirements, other security issues facing school administrators who select a security system include the following: access control; user friendliness; durability or serviceability; life safety precautions; possibility of vandalism, theft, and tampering; and key control. Offers steps to take in considering…

A study at Texas A&M University investigated the role of the academic business administrator in fulfilling the institution's educational mission. A program of continuing administrator training was then implemented. Ten years later, another study examined the roles of senior academic business administrators in each of the university's colleges.…

Describes the trends in higher education predicted and discussed at a staff retreat of the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO). Trends include an evolving role for business officers, increasing enrollment, competition, and e-learning. (EV)

The characteristics and qualifications of chief financial officers (CFOs) of large public universities, the internal organizational relationships of CFOs, and their responsibilities were studied in 1983. Findings of a similar 1973 study are also considered. A total of 135 usable questionnaire responses provided information on age; sex; length of…

Addresses the question of effect on college and universities that coming revolution in retention strategies will have. Points out that more colleges will be requiring validation of intellectual accomplishment before, during, and at the end of the college career. (Author/ABB)

At the 1994 annual meeting of the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO), presentations and discussions indicated that college business officers are responding to their institutions' financial difficulties with innovative ways to reorganize, save money, and generate revenue. (Author/MSE)

College business officers whose institutions are not connected to the Internet can gain affordable access as individuals. Lists of Free-Net and community network systems in most states and of Internet and on-line service providers are offered. Additional sources of accounts are noted. Common Internet terms are also defined. (MSE)

Four experienced college business officers discuss how to communicate financial information to the college community. They focus on the importance of establishing trust within the institution; the role of the business officer in strategic planning; typical misunderstandings and how to avoid and correct them; supporting the president; and keeping…

A recent report of the National Association of College and University Business Officers finds that colleges must contain athletic budgets. However, this will require more accurate financial data than current accounting practices provide. Recommended reforms include more careful record keeping, more need-based aid instead of scholarships, and…

Districts are using employer/nonsalary-reduction contributions to 403(b) plans to recruit and retain key employees, reduce unfunded liabilities for unused vacation and sick pay, and lower the cost of severance-pay packages. Legal compliance "caution flags," nondiscrimination rules, and IRS auditing and correction procedures are outlined.…