On July 24 and 25, 2012, members of the Task Force on Admissions in the 21st Century gathered in Reston, Virginia, to discuss the progress made by the implementation team in addressing action items from the Task Force's Preserving the Dream of America 2008 report; the current environment for admission; and actions to be taken to further the task…

This testimony discusses US Government Accountability Office's (GAO's) recent report entitled "Opportunities to Reduce Potential Duplication in Government Programs, Save Tax Dollars, and Enhance Revenue." This report delineates dozens of areas across government where fragmentation, overlap, and potential duplication merit the attention of Congress…

Strategic planning is complex (Dodd, 2004), and when managed well, it requires deliberate incorporation of evidenced-based data and the collaboration of key stakeholders. Thus, it is essential that the planning process includes the integration of data that are collected regularly and that both internal and external professional partners have the…

This case study provides an illustration of the heuristic practices of a high-performing research department, which in turn, will help build much needed models applicable in the context of large urban districts. This case study examines the accountability, planning, evaluation, testing, and research functions of a research department in a large…

The importance of academic program review as the first step in the development of an institutional master plan is emphasized, and the benefits of developing an academic, data-based master plan are identified. The case of Sam Houston State University is used to illustrate the issues. Background information on the institutional milieu and the…

Focuses on the new role of a university library as a strategic partner within the university. Suggests the changes of the operating environment of universities will demand for new competences, tasks, modes of management and leadership, as well as organizational structure in libraries. Presents findings of the evaluation processes carried out in…

The recent emergence of graduate education as a major issue in statewide planning and coordination is discussed, including involvements not only of institutions and state higher education agencies, but also legislatures and, in some states, even the executive branch. Most of the issues of mutual concern to the academic community and to government…

While inter-organizational learning in open innovation teams has received much attention lately, research into its human dimension is lacking. This paper, therefore, explores the competencies professionals need for this process. Three studies were executed: a theoretical study, explorative interviews and focus groups. A competence profile was…

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is committed to bringing together museums and libraries across the country for conversations dedicated to developing a better understanding of the roles of libraries and museums as providers of public service to communities. The Future of Libraries and Museums in the 21st Century Planning…

The evolution of the "planning process" from the 1940s to the present is considered, especially as it relates to higher education. It was hypothesized that institutional planning has experienced historical evolution: new planning innovations over the years have added to the existing institutional planning knowledge base. A literature…

Key ingredients of long-range planning described in the literature during the last 10 years, the role of an office of institutional research, and a coordinated long-range planning process as it might occur in a public four-year college or university are described. A successful long-range planning process is characterized by centralized…

Principles for state planning for postsecondary education are considered, and three hypothetical case studies are presented for discussion purposes. The first and basic principle is the need for a clear and categorical mandate for state planning. A second principle is to develop full knowledge of the authority and responsibilities for…

The initial steps of an academic planning process to cover the next 10 years at the Arkansas Tech University are described. Twelve study committees that were formed to coordinate the effort pertain to: degree programs and research; student-related activities; nondegree programs and public service; college mission and role; background and…

The on-going planning project described in this case study was implemented at Amarillo College (AC) to: (1) establish college goals and objectives through a process involving members of the college staff and the community; (2) improve staff and community support for the college's objectives; (3) provide a basis for institutional evaluation; and…

The State of Iowa conducted several higher education inventory studies in an effort to identify strategies and priorities for the future. The Long Range Strategic Planning Study, the first of the studies to be undertaken, was charged with reviewing all academic programs, identifying program strengths, and making recommendations for redesigning the…