Traces the history of futuristic predictions of environmental changes. Focuses on particular documents published on environmental change predictions. Identifies particular instances of environmental change, such as the rate of species loss and the greenhouse effect. Maintains that predictions of future environmental changes are fraught with…

Discusses the importance of strategic planning to higher education. Addresses the need for postsecondary institutions to evaluate their environment and develop a strategic plan. Presents the components of strategic planning, i.e., mission statement development; analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats; and strategy…

This paper speculates on the coming century's opportunities and challenges for the Alexander Graham Bell Association. Medical advancements prolonging life and the subsequent increase in the elderly population are discussed, as are computer and telecommunications advances. Futurists' predictions of increasing disposable income and social conscience…

The draft Master Plan was developed in response to requirements of the New Jersey Higher Education Restructuring Act of 1994. The plan proposes a vision and broad policy recommendations for New Jersey higher education into the next century. The focus of the plan is on the critical needs of the state and how higher education can help in addressing…

Scenario planning can help institutions change the mental models used in planning to achieve a focus on the long-term future, rather than on the immediate future. While institutional survival depends upon the ability to detect and adapt to critical changes in the environment, all institutions face a wide range of potential future scenarios. By…

Formal environmental scanning procedures can provide key administrators of higher education institutions with valuable external information regarding both the probability and impact of external trends and forces. Such information may then be used in various strategic planning stages including scenario development, institutional mission and goals…

The environmental scanning project described in this report was undertaken at Lane Community College (LCC) in Eugene, Oregon, to enhance the college's strategic planning process by anticipating events that might differ from the economic, social, and political conditions of the present. First, an overview is provided of the purpose and intent of…

One of a series of papers resulting from a Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) project to improve evaluation and planning in community colleges, this report provides information and guidance for conducting large-group, strategic planning in a community college. The report begins with general comments on planning, focusing…

Offers a sequential model of futures research techniques that is applied to a hypothetical situation to indicate its applicability as a means by which public relations professionals can approach the task of saying today what may happen tomorrow. (SRT)

The 22 essays and case studies in this book offer a theoretical and practical guide on outreach programs of colleges and universities. The chapters are: (1) "The New American Outreach University: Challenges and Options" (Richard M. Lerner, Lou Anna K. Simon); (2) "The Land-Grant Idea and the Evolving Outreach University" (James T. Bonnen); (3)…

Scanning the external environment will become more essential to colleges in the coming decade. Developing an environmental scanning system can identify important emerging issues that may constitute either threats or opportunities. The organizational features of a mature scanning process are described. (MLW)

During the l980s, state leadership will be challenged and tested as it has never been before. Successful leaders will work to inspire team concepts among teachers, teacher trainers, students, legislators, parents, the agricultural industry, and the general public. (LRA)

Review of demographic changes finds that by midcentury a majority of the college population will be minorities, and all of the net increase in student population will come from minorities. Implications for recruitment, remediation, and retention are drawn. (DB)

As part of a long-range information systems planning effort, an assessment of the impact of technology on the organization was developed. Trends are identified and the anticipated impact on the University of Miami is discussed. (Author/MLW)

This Austin Community College (ACC) District Master Plan for 2004-2006 continues ACC's efforts to manage growth and change through a comprehensive planning process. The planning process was coordinated with the ACC Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) Alternate Self Study. This study addresses the following areas: (1) Fiscal…