This annual compilation explores the history of small colleges in five articles that focus on the "uses" of this history in facing current debates concerning institutional directions. A brief introduction by Harold S. Wechsler addresses the role of institutional history for the small college. The first article is "Celebrating Roots:…

This guide offers sample administrative procedures and policies that can be used by small colleges and universities to prepare or revise administrative procedures manuals. The sample procedures and policies offered here have been compiled from a review of many manuals from many different institutions, and vary from the general to the specific.…

Outlines an effort to increase organizational effectiveness and efficiency of a small college housing department. Attempts to integrate management and education through a reorganization of custodial and maintenance procedures which allow staff members more time for student development programs. (JAC)

The Great Lakes Colleges Association, composed of twelve small liberal arts colleges in Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan, has been a leader in the integration of women's studies into the curriculum of its member schools. The consortial approach and the women's studies program are described. (MLW)

Points out the vital role of the small/rural community college in providing equal access for higher education services to rural communities; unique community service activities (e.g., cultural enrichment programs, professional workshops, and prison education); and cooperative service projects with four-year institutions. (DMM)

A set of standards to help small college advancement managers measure and justify the advancement processes they pursue are provided. The framework includes five sections: institutional commitment, authority and organizational structure, personnel resources, advancement activities and functions, and evaluation. (MLW)

Options available to small universities in Australia in order to maximize their efficiency in lean times are discussed: staying small with better funding; staying small with standard funding; federation with another institution or institutions but with internal differentiation; merger; and closing. (MSE)

Misconceptions regarding the work of college admissions officers and the role of admissions in expanding access to education prompted this review of applied research in college admissions. Focus is on two areas of research and evaluation: college staff visits to schools and college choice decisions made by applicants who were offered admission.…

A study of 43 liberal arts colleges' library budgets for the first half of the 1970s is described. The combined effects of inflation and financial crunch have led to a materials v staff struggle which could result in an improper balance between these two items. (Author/MLW)

This study examined librarian/faculty interaction at nine small college libraries and explored librarian outreach activities: serving as experts, informing others, attending social functions, serving on committees, monitoring communication networks, knowing about campus activities, and providing library instruction. Found that quality of the…

Merrimack College (Massachusetts) has abandoned conservative strategies for investing its $16-million endowment, investing more in international stocks and bonds, real estate projects, and small companies to raise annual returns and increase endowment value. The small, Catholic college is heavily dependent on tuition. The diversification plan…

Presents a systematic approach for small colleges to plan effectively for the acquisition of information resources, i.e., computers and telecommunications, based on five recommendations: (1) assign task force to assess needs; (2) establish institutional goals; (3) identify the technology required to meet the goals; (4) determine financial…

Puts forward the thesis of convergence of community colleges and proprietary schools, which suggests that career and community colleges are becoming increasingly alike in providing a specialized form of education and training beyond secondary school. Compares aspects of the two institutions, and provides groundwork for informed discussion on the…

Reviews the history of proprietary schools in the United States, arguing that convergence with community colleges is a possible but not a necessary direction. Indicates that proprietary schools developed to fill a vacuum in the training sector, but that they made inroads in the postsecondary sector using federal money. (21 citations) (MAB)

Argues that the apparent convergence of community colleges and proprietary schools is in large part caused by changes in federal student aid policy. Suggests that the apparent convergence masks real and profound differences between these institutions in the areas of mission, governance, size, articulation with other sectors, costs, and market…