A taxonomy of developmental planning considerations and corresponding areas in which institutional researchers and developmental professionals can collaborate to assess and improve fund-raising activities is presented. (MSE)

Each institution has an existing planning style, and new approaches to academic planning must take into account institutionalized planning practices. Four planning styles are examined: needs assessment, program data, retrenchment and reallocation, and economic incentives. (Author/MLW)

Five criteria for judging college or university performance indicators (PIs) used to guide strategic decision making are outlined. The criteria address: purpose; alignment of PIs throughout the organization or system; alignment of PIs across inputs, processes, and outcomes; capacity to accommodate a variety of evaluation methods; and utility in…

The contemporary context and some recent trends affecting college program reviews or evaluations, current options in purposes and practices, and impacts on programs and institutions are discussed. It is recommended that the process be viewed as a contribution to the general knowledge base for campus constituencies rather than as "right answers"…

The roles of incentives in academic decision making are examined, potential uses of incentives in academic decision making are suggested, and research projects that promise to increase the understanding of desirable uses of incentives in academic planning are proposed. (Author/MLW)

Successful outcomes assessment programs have many common characteristics. Institutional researchers should examine these signs of success and use them as guides for developing their own campus programs. (Author/MSE)

Needs assessment is seen as a viable tool to assist administrators and faculty members concerned about meeting client and community needs for programs. The identification and assessment of instructional program needs is discussed. A definition of need is provided. (Author/MLW)

Planning change through faculty and administrative development is discussed. The development of a comprehensive faculty and administrative development program involves instructional, curricular, organizational, personal, and professional development. (Author/MLW)

Elements that the University of Akron, Furman University, and Wichita State University believe to be essential for mounting a successful program for change are identified: definition of institutional mission, top administrative support, leadership development, comprehensive change programs, emphasis on communication and process, and merging of…

Even in a period of retrenchment or adjustment, the importance of ongoing faculty development for the faculty who remain at the institution must not be forgotten. The content and structure of faculty development programs can make a significant difference in five areas of education: quality, community, cooperation, institutional loyalty, and…

The conditions facing postsecondary education during the 1980s, it is suggested, call for institutional planning styles that are comprehensive, systematic, public, regular, and expansive. The formal democratic style is described as a comprehensive planning process that requires all departments to submit their plans to the college. (Author/MLW)

The authors outline how the University College (UC) model can serve as an effective vehicle for others.