Recently, two phenomena have been discussed in higher education-specific media: (1) the prevalence of institutional mergers to promote longevity; and (2) institutional rebranding to improve public perceptions and increase enrollment through enhanced and/or clarified missions (Wexler 2015). Although such has been reported in "The Chronicle of…

Fiscal responsibility matters at institutions of higher learning, especially when they are public and supported by taxpayers, but colleges are not businesses. The consequences of fiscal irresponsibility profoundly affect students, faculty, and staff, as well as teaching, research, and service activities. This essay gives a brief history of the…

Drexel University is offering laid-off workers a 50-percent discount on tuition at its new graduate campus in California. Davis & Elkins College reduced its price by nearly $15,000 for residents from its home county and six surrounding ones to match the tuition of the state's flagship West Virginia University. And Southern Illinois University at…

Reducing the tenure system inevitably involves costs to both employer and employee and especially affects the attraction of employment in the institution, including faculty mobility, institutional academic standing, and faculty goodwill. Long-term implications of such reform should be carefully weighed before changes are undertaken. (MSE)

The study identifies specific financial indicators for higher education, indicates the recommended source of data, and suggests a survey for the Higher Education Panel that could be used to supplement the data. The use of the indicators is explored and it is explained that the indicators allow the grouping of institutions for comparative analysis.…

Planning issues for colleges seeking to maintain quality in institutional programs in the face of retrenchment are analyzed, based on a literature review. An extensive bibliography on the following topics is provided: quality (ratings, rankings, reform, institutional goals, and educational outcomes); retrenchment (enrollment decline, faculty,…

A survey indicates that declining resources, merging of programs, and loss of faculty positions characterize the changes in programs in higher education as a field of study and suggest an uncertain future. However, most programs see themselves as strong and programs that were prominent in the last decade remain so. (Author/MSE)

Oral Roberts University is facing a crisis in credibility because of mismanagement and scandal, and financial support of the university and the many related enterprises has dropped drastically. Financial problems and a declining reputation have caused the departure of some faculty and students. (MSE)