A survey of trainers of challenge course facilitators resulted in a list of general competencies to be included in facilitator training. Includes technical skills involving challenge or ropes courses, group initiatives and low ropes, safety and environmental issues, and program administration. Facilitation skills involve recreational, educational,…

Possible changes in U.S. Postal Service rates and services, resulting from a planned restructuring, are discussed. College administrators are encouraged to review mail class use, available discounts, and even the design and quantity of materials mailed out. (MSE)

Colleges and universities generally advertise themselves poorly because of improper planning, resistance, inexperience, and lack of marketing plan. Components of effective advertising include an appropriate and strategic plan, correct choice of planner, coordination with other marketing efforts, contingency planning, and follow-up activities. (MSE)

Discusses nine key findings of the "Cost, Quality, and Child Outcomes in Child Care Centers" study conducted in 1993. Also highlights a 1994 Child Care Information Exchange survey in which day care center directors rated various determinants of quality in a day care center on a scale of 1 to 10. Center leadership was rated the most…

Examines the role of campus recycling and how colleges and universities can best contribute to their community and to the industry. A sampling of programs illustrate the diverse approaches taken as well as some of the lessons learned. (LZ)

Discusses the author event in libraries and the efforts Baker and Taylor has made to bridge the communication gap between publishers and libraries and to encourage author publicity events. Argues that events are good business for publishers, writers, and libraries; and outlines aspects libraries must consider in organizing such an event. (EA)

Cooperative education in an underused program despite demonstrated benefits for the integration of educational and career goals. Computerized program management can streamline operations and increase its use. (SK)

This report outlines corporate instructional design and performance technology (ID/PT) standards, including what they are; how they help an organization; advantages and disadvantages of having standards; types of standards (focus, approach, and scope); content; and formats. A worksheet for determining ID/PT standards is included. (DB)

An award-winning administrator of a college computer system discusses the role of networking and teamwork in successful information management, drawing on experiences during recent political upheavals in eastern Europe for illustration. Other success factors stressed include having and sharing a dream and developing future leaders. (MSE)

Describes the institutional and programmatic context in which a consultant-evaluation visit was requested at Washington State University and the evaluators' recommendations and subsequent changes that have taken place. Lists five reasons for requesting an evaluation. (MG)

Minnesota Extension Service's framework of quality indicators for program management/evaluation includes (1) problem selection (important, focused, grounded); (2) commitment (timely, credible, capacity); (3) strategy implementation (results oriented, responsive, feasible, flexible, systematic); and (4) review (utility, evidence, follow-through).…

Considers the degree to which writing may be a therapeutic process and the degree to which teachers and administrators can or should undertake counseling roles in relation to students. Indicates where future research and discussion concerning these issues might be directed. (HB)

The location of the institutional research unit within the organizational structure influences the role it plays in supporting effective decision making. A theoretical framework of organizational structure based on division of labor can be applied to higher education institutions, with implications for staffing and expectations for performance.…

An institutional advancement administrator draws on experience running an office with limited resources to offer suggestions to others, including putting basics in place first, then fine-tuning them, and developing a do-everything publication, a plan for special events and fund-raising, an annual giving structure, and a strong core of volunteers.…

Describes how and why writing program administrators should get involved in developing a technical communication program. Discusses one such program, in which students are prepared as technical writers to enter the profession of technical communication. Suggests how to begin and how to develop ties with the industrial community. (HB)