The Division of Computer Services at the University of Wyoming is a combined academic and administrative installation. Administrative systems are developed through a team approach, with representatives from the user office, the Institutional Data Management group, and the Division of Computer Services. (MLW)

The creation of the Claremont Computing Center as a separate organization to serve only administrative information systems represented a significant change from past combined academic and administrative computing operations. File integration and custom reports are handled by individual users; database design and file maintenance are controlled by…

Washington State University developed a comprehensive supplies inventory system and a generalized billing system with multiple users in mind. The inventory management system and the service center billing system are described. (Author/MLW)

Clemson University has developed techniques and procedures to assist in the construction and maintenance of administrative systems. Procedures as well as the tools and techniques used by all systems are discussed: online report request software, online user table maintenance software, report supervisor and report writer software, etc. (Author/MLW)

A project management system for organizing requests from multiple departments and controlling the workload of the development/maintenance computer staff is described. Practical solutions to deciding project priorities, determining time estimates, creating positive peer pressure among programing staff, and formalizing information requests are…

The development and implementation of an institutional framework to guide the management and use of information technologies (computing, office automation, and telecommunications) at Mount Royal College in Calgary, Alberta, are described. (Author/MLW)

The development of the Drexel Disk is described. The goal of this disk is to train novice users of a personal computer and to provide them with all the information they need to be able to use the machine and the facilities at Drexel. (MLW)

In 1981 a project to determine the current information needs of the institution was outlined and strategies for meeting those needs were identified. Each administrative office has full responsibility for data and production scheduling, while the computing center ensures that the software and hardware are operational. (MLW)

The history, administration, and current operations of the Administrative Data Processing department of the University of Iowa are described. Types of equipment, budgets, and service records are mentioned. (SF)

A visit to American University's Department of Computer Services is summarized. Administrative systems in use and currently in production are described and a productive application of "structured walk-throughs" for systems design, computer programs, procedures, and documentation is discussed. (MLW)

A major change is underway at the University of Michigan as a new telecommunications network is being installed to become the central focus for information technology on the campus as voice communication, mainframe, minicomputer, and microcomputer installations all become part of the network. (MLW)

Virginia Tech reorganized its computing and communications activities under a Vice President for Computing and Information Systems. Changes include integration of all voice and data communications activities. The mission, rationale, and goals for the Communications Network Services organization are discussed. (Author/MLW)

Working with users through an "information center" offers an alternative to formal application systems development, and the backlog of application development projects has made this approach attractive at many institutions. Guidelines used at Loyola University of Chicago are presented. (Author/MLW)

The Computer Center at the University of Northern Colorado provides service to the entire University community in all areas of instruction, research, student services, and administration. Administrative computer applications have all been developed by UNC staff, and most of the major administrative areas are operating online. (MLW)

The ways in which institutional characteristics affect the application and development of administrative information systems are discussed. A cybernetics model is proposed and principles are developed to assist university administrators in distinguishing institutional constraints from shortcomings in the information system. (SF)