Since 1964, colleges have been sending data to the College Board Validity Study Service in order to determine the degree to which measures used in admissions predict college performance. These studies have allowed for the monitoring of general trends in the relationship of SAT scores and high school grades with freshman grades. Beginning in the…

Associations can provide information, expertise, and services that individual institutions do not always possess. Although membership in some associations is a necessity, it is important to choose carefully among others to gain optimal resources such as information, meetings, newsletters, and other points of contact. Some guidelines are provided.…

A study at Franklin and Marshall College to determine why research does not appear to have the beneficial effect on teaching that so many have assumed it does is discussed. It is thought that scholarship makes a professor more knowledgeable and that a more knowledgeable professor makes a better teacher. (Author/MLW)

Emphasizes that private liberal arts colleges must compensate for declining enrollments by admitting students who are underprepared for college-level work, and discusses financial and attitudinal barriers to doing so. Reviews the problems encountered by Skidmore College and its responses, including its basic writing curriculum, writing lab, and…

Discusses the special funding problems of small/rural two-year colleges, whose main supporters are the state and private donors. Reviews funding options and models, various formulas, and criteria. Suggests the differentiated flat grant as a funding approach and that specific formula dimensions be determined legislatively. (DMM)

To determine what small colleges are doing and what they ought to be doing about institutional advancement, 170 small college institutional advancement offices throughout the country were surveyed. Some guidelines for effectiveness include: documented college purpose, a commitment to advancement, adequate budget, monitor productivity,…

A consortia model for colleges within a short distance of each other is described. Particular attention is given to the components of consortial infrastructure: the policy board and the role of the deans, the consortium director, the campus program coordinators, and the students' departmental boards. (Author/MLW)

Chief student personnel administrators for small/rural community colleges were surveyed to compare their student personnel programs to a major student development model, so as to provide for a basis for comparison of small college student personnel programs. A profile of chief personnel administrators of small colleges is described. (RC)

This first in a series of problem-solving exercises challenges readers to examine a small college faced with declining enrollment, decreasing financial support, and industrial pollution. Background information is provided and includes enrollment trends, finances, and characteristics of the administrators, faculty, students, and trustees.…

This article argues that while small colleges appear to be poorly positioned to be technology leaders, they have opportunities to distinguish themselves through focused applications of information technology resources in support of their missions. Costs, risks, and benefits of taking a leadership role in technology are discussed. (Author/MSE)

Offers a case study of a history professor teaching at the Behrend College campus of Pennsylvania State University. Provides general information concerning professional responsibilities and teaching techniques, suggesting methods for adapting to this particular environment. Urges similar disclosure of work conditions by other professionals so that…

Explores the meaning of dual roles and relationships for counselors in small colleges; examines relevant ethical standards; describes the major risks involved; suggests safeguards to minimize risk; outlines frameworks for ethical decisionmaking; and illustrates the issues with a case example of problems related to multiple roles. (JBJ)

Advice for stretching the capacity of the small college public relations office includes planning well; using strategy; searching out creative ideas; choosing quality over quantity in press releases; using student and volunteer workers; developing strong media relations; accepting advice; and anticipating problems. (MSE)

A small, private, liberal arts college whose library had been found unsatisfactory during accreditation transformed the library by placing it in the same reporting structure as academic and administrative computing and telecommunications. Application of strategic planning and organizational theory smoothed the transition by modifying central…

At two women's liberal arts colleges, freshman (n=127, n=140) perceptions of academic advising style were measured. Although students reported developmental advising at both institutions, the mean score at one college was significantly more developmental than at the other. Frequency of contact and an academic planning component were significant…