The goal of this ethnography-based study is to investigate informal communication processes in shared governance institutions. Shared governance is academia's version of the corporate world's total quality management philosophy and outlines a system where members at all levels of the institution have a voice in decision processes. The interviews…

An effective collegial and relatively noncompetitive approach to integrated planning developed at King's College is discussed. The development of a structured system of intensive oral communication; an organizational design integrating planning, budgeting, marketing, and evaluation, and a modified matrix management system are described. (MLW)

Describes how a long-predicted decline in the fortunes of small private colleges is beginning to show up in the bond market, as the number of colleges now rated in the junk category has nearly doubled. (EV)

Discusses a study of instructional cost determination at small independent colleges. Such colleges could operate more efficiently by accelerating recruitment of part-time students, increasing use of part-time instructors, recognizing the direct relationship between available revenue and instructional costs, raising student-faculty ratios where…

Focuses on development of a new student orientation program specifically for small colleges. Stresses importance of orientation program's role in student retention and recommends a holistic approach to meeting students' adjustment needs in six developmental areas: social, occupational, spiritual, physical, intellectual, and emotional. (ABL)

Most colleges are finding they must cut back spending and find ways to increase income, no longer relying on raising tuition. Although consolidating jobs, cutting academic programs, reducing financial aid, and delaying construction are already common among larger schools, small colleges fear the impact on their already limited budgets. (MSE)

Small private colleges should not succumb to the view that being as inexpensive as public colleges is the only way to compete. By doing some aggressive marketing, these institutions can enjoy a significant edge and thrive in what promises to be a difficult decade. (Author/MSE)

Presents a post hoc analysis of peer-identified excellent departments at small colleges (5,000 or fewer undergraduates) to discover if they suffer from a lack of centrality. Hopes that this information may be used to help departments plan curriculum, develop evaluation methods, or write mission statements to strengthen existing programs or defend…

At southwest Virginia's new Appalachian School of Law, students volunteer 25 hours each semester on community service projects. Projects fall into two categories: pure service by sharing a skill or interest, and service that draws on legal skills, such as presenting legal seminars to senior citizens' groups or conducting conflict resolution…

Redefining the community college's historical commitment to open access requires an analysis of the community college within the larger system of higher education. In 2002, Middlesex Community College in Bedford, Massachusetts (MCC) was selected as one of 12 leaders nationwide to head a cluster group of colleges. A total of 7 diverse institutions…

Unique opportunities exist on small campuses for all professionals to interact without boundaries. The traditional boundaries of classroom learning and student life cease to exist; student life professionals often function as teachers, and academic affairs professionals are encouraged to support students outside the classroom. This partnership…

The recent Sloan report found that online course enrollments are increasing 13% annually. This study investigated how the vision and philosophy of the academic leadership in small private universities influence the development of online learning. Investigations regarding online learning leadership have noted four core issues: (1) a clear…

This document presents an outline of the processes used in compiling and annotating an approximately 560-entry bibliography dealing with the small college. The entries are comprised of books, articles, dissertations, and other studies published on the small college from 1965 through 1971. The actual bibliography is to be published soon by the…

The implications of closing for Mount Saint Mary College were studied by a consulting team, the New Hampshire College and University Council. Options were considered, trustees consulted, and efforts and plans made to make the final year successful. Student, parent, and administrator satisfaction are reported. (Author/LBH)

In a response to the Minnesota Conference on the Future of Doctoral Study in English, states that the consensus to embrace rhetoric as a unifying focus would undercut small colleges. (MM)