A study of thirty academic departments in fifteen universities examined the relationships of the functional prerequisites to personal need satisfactions. The findings raised questions about the relationship between organizational achievement and personal satisfaction in the academic department. (Author/JB)

Multidimensional scaling was performed on scholars' judgments about the similarities of the subject matter of different academic areas. Three dimensions were common to the solutions of both samples: (a) existence of a paradigm, (b) concern with application, and (c) concern with life systems. (Author)

A set of propositions on organizational stratification drawn from functional theory is examined. Data are used from 38 departments of a large university as well as from individual faculty survey responses. It is suggested that organizational features act as symbolic devices which inform others that a given organization is a competent member of its…

Enumerates ways in which university sociology departments can help students find out about career possibilities in the field of sociology. Suggestions include providing information on employment opportunities and graduate programs, identifying occupations of graduated sociology majors, advising students about employment and graduate school, and…

The second edition of the rolling five-year plan of the University of Strathclyde is based on the use of a university policy directional matrix. The advantages of this method and some of the work to be carried out to refine the indicators before they are used again are summarized. (Author/MLW)

A study of continuing vocational education in British universities found a variety of organizational approaches and assumptions that continuing education should be mainstreamed and self-financing. Essential elements include leader commitment, specialized units, clear academic identity, and continuous reflective review. (SK)

Interviews with nine clerical/support staff in a university extension department show how higher education has neglected valuable constituency of learners by restrictively defining and poorly supporting professional development for support staff. As a learning organization, the university should encourage and develop all employees. (SK)

Considers why communications departments are not considered central to the mission of universities and makes suggestions about what can be done. Maintains that labeling of communications departments as "communications departments" is ambiguous; communications departments lack intellectual unity and are isolated; and they do not address public…

Every year, U.S. News and World Report (USNEWS) creates a stir among academics and the public by publishing its ranking of universities and various departments within those universities. Although members of the public rely on the USNEWS rankings when making their academic choices, psychologists and other academics tend to rely on the National…

Scandals ranging from National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) violations to falsified research results have fueled criticism of America's universities. Sports violations, research manipulation, gender discrimination, and other ethical lapses affect an entire institution as they have a spillover effect on its reputation. The results of…

This publication prsents guidelines for effective higher education instruction based on research into teaching and learning, on good practices, and on criteria used in teaching awards and in tenure and promotion procedures. Section 1 addresses university teachers and effective teaching practice and includes a list of seven specific practices for…

A recounting of the author's experiences after becoming a gay activist at Kent State University. (JH)

This report presents an initial design for a university program review system which is intended to improve decision making and planning through an in-depth evaluation of the university's academic departments and programs. The system involves three phases: (1) self study by the department, (2) a review by a committee external to the department, and…