This report is drafted with state leaders and policy makers in mind, including those who work with or support these education leaders. The information shared in this report will likely be most relevant to states that have either not yet considered a new data system on teacher preparation providers, are only now starting to consider the idea, or…

In "Online Professional Development for Teachers," the authors look closely at exemplary online professional development programs, compare them carefully with one another, and draw helpful conclusions about them--both for those who develop online programs and for teachers and administrators in search of professional development programs…

Advice is offered for making college alumni reunions fun and memorable, illustrated with anecdotes from various institutions. Suggestions include exciting opening activities, focusing on the particular habits or characteristics of a class, appealing to a variety of tastes, emphasizing class identity, savoring favorite campus traditions, and…

Planning can help college public relations officials make the most of their time and energy. One approach includes reviewing institutional mission and strategic plan; setting department goals; identifying and targeting audiences; establishing interdepartmental links; and setting out action, crisis, budget, and evaluation plans in writing. (MSE)

Cooperative buying is a process developed to enable colleges and universities in specific geographic areas to block-book dates for an artist or attraction, resulting in lower costs to schools and more logical routing for artists. A seven-step procedure, beginning before the campus activities convention and continuing through contract completion…

A discussion of successful leadership in meetings looks at differing philosophies about the role of the group leader, the different roles assumed by group members, minimal responsibilities that the leader must fulfill, and specific suggestions for maintaining the group's interest during the meeting. (MSE)

A guide for using cooperative buying to block-book campus activities or attractions through a campus activities convention provides a step-by-step process and outlines some specific considerations, including forms, pricing, preparation for the conference, follow-up approaches, and hints for new users of the system. (MSE)

Suggestions are given for innovation in planning international exchange and study abroad programs that maximize an institution's flexibility and reduce cost. These include flexible program length and intensity, flexible planning and contracting options with the corresponding schools, direct negotiations, reciprocity arrangements, and using…

Advancement offices in higher education can ensure that they will get the most value from their computer purchases by becoming educated about issues and options, developing a plan and standards, tracking the technology, ignoring brand names, requesting discounts, considering used equipment and prepared software, consulting, using available…

The process of reauthorization of college student financial aid legislation may be instrumental in reducing the burden and complexity of the financial aid application and need analysis process through simplification. Exempting some students, permitting more to use simplified need analysis, and streamlining reapplication are steps in the right…

The University of North Carolina's postdoctoral advanced education in general dentistry program relies heavily on clinic productivity and effective management to meet the challenges of a diminishing state budget appropriation and lack of financial flexibility in the state university system. External funding is also sought actively but has not yet…

A study investigated the attitudes of college and university employees concerning the recent privatization of dining services at three universities. Results indicate the employees saw the contractor, not the institution, as benefitting most from the changes. Employees had little understanding of the benefits of the arrangement to the university or…

A variety of consortial arrangements in higher education are discussed noting advantages such as savings realized through the cooperative efforts, enrichment of academic programs, improved student services and community outreach, as well as obstacles (organizational, procedural, and cultural). Success factors identified include presence of…

Planning for a computer use "help desk" at Kenyon College (Ohio) was constrained by very limited resources. However, careful and thorough planning resulted in a low-budget, homegrown, but highly effective facility. Staffing, training, staff communication, and marketing the service were essential elements in its success. (MSE)

It is argued that colleges and universities can become more productive by enhancing the efficiency of student learning. This requires both acceleration of learning through individually paced mastery learning, better academic focus, year-round schooling, and an earlier start to graduate and professional education. Eight strategies for enhancing…