This issue of "Currents" reviews some of the recent developments in planning techniques for colleges and universities; statewide or regional planning problems are not considered. Following a discussion of planning and its benefits, the process of planning is reviewed and two case studies of planning are examined. Special attention is focused on…

The Colorado Consortium on Research Development (CORD) was formed in 1968 to increase research potential among the faculties of the 6 participating institutions. Its major objective was to improve these institutions' interest and capabilities in educational and institutional research through cooperative studies, by faculties, administrators, and…

This document presents a model and description of a systematic institutional performance appraisal instrument. Particular emphasis of the instrument is focused on the strengths and weaknesses of the structure that supports the university's operation toward goal achievement. The instrument is intended to be elementary because it is believed that no…

The committee responsible for the present document was established to investigate, evaluate, and make recommendations concerning general education programs at San Francisco State College. Part 1 of the 5-part final report establishes a general philosophical context, examining General Studies within a holistic conception of liberal education, and…

This document presents the final report of a 3-year self-study of Bethany Nazarene College which focuses on self-evaluation and planning for the decade of the 70's. Seven areas were studied: philosophy and objectives, instruction, students, faculty, physical facilities, business and finance, and administration. A steering committee developed…

Statistical analysis must be approached rationally and with intent. The application of statistical analysis under the guise of the classical experimental paradigm when the underlying statistical assumptions are not met, as is often the case in institutional research, is neither efficient nor likely to produce useful results. (Author/MSE)

The author proposes the creation of a new type of independent research institution which would have a special relationship with universities. (Editor)

The necessity for institutional reform and the crisis of the university are discussed. (DB)

College and university research units should be crucial instrumentalities for the determination of institutional priorities and management objectives. (Author)

Serial Evaluation Activities (SEAs) are series' of focused evaluational studies, each dealing with a well-defined "component unit" within a complex project. Strategies for enhancing timeliness in SEAs include a comprehensive conceptual framework, a permanent institutional setting, a prearranged sample plan, utilization of item banks, and…

Summarizes characteristics of the higher education landscape and provides an overview of considerations of common interest to institutional researchers at colleges and universities serving diverse populations. (EV)

As institutions increasingly turn to alumni to provide services to their alma maters in such areas as volunteering, donating, networking, and lobbying, alumni research becomes a high priority in academic administration. The term alumni is defined, parameters for alumni research are proposed and uses of such research are described. (MLW)

An Ohio research project is documenting the perceptions of college/university faculty and administrators (n=25) regarding the institutional factors that inhibit or facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration among their own educational preparation programs. This presentation is based on a preliminary analysis of available data. (PB)