Learning Resources

Abstract: All universities need an integrated plan to chart their path through these turbulent times and amidst the changing expectations of higher education. This is especially true for universities in developing countries. Such universities operate with very scarce resources and limited depths of expertise, but still seek to respond to surging demand. The result is a strain on these universities and a threat to quality. This article introduces the processes and concepts of planning and development for universities in developing countries, focusing mostly on the African context. Our premise is that the basic planning processes and concepts that work in North America and Europe are still valid for universities in developing countries, even if the nature, content, and resulting strategies are very different. Therefore, this article draws from published work in planning applied in the context of the authors’ experience in higher education in East Africa. We conclude that good strategic planning is necessary for universities in developing countries, as is operational planning for programs, resources, and capital. The information in this article is more fully explored and explained in the authors’ book Planning and Resource Guide for Higher Education in Africa.

Abstract: This article describes planning and design processes between architect and client for renovations and additions to the Brault Administration Building at Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) in Annandale, Virginia, a Washington, DC, suburb. Highlighting sustainability through adaptive reuse, this article describes in detail logistical planning for temporary relocation of building occupants, as well as collaborative communication between NOVA officials and architects for achieving design objectives. This article also details the scope of renovations and square footage added to this 1980s-era structure and references Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED), including sustainable practices for obtaining and disposing of building materials. The overall message conveyed by this renovation project is the importance of collaborative communication in terms of both planning and design, which can also offer new paradigms for building modernization and reuse at other community college campuses.

Abstract: Introducing housing on a community college campus will affect several areas of campus life including dining, security, recreation, and student programming. Unlike four-year institutions, community colleges have limited activity after a certain hour with the exception of library and recreational facilities. Additional programs and services will be needed to support a 24-hour operation, which will have an impact on the overall operating costs of the college. This article is intended to identify the direct and indirect costs involved and assess the overall financial impact of operating student housing.

Abstract: Institutions around the world use various social channels—blogs, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and many others—as an integral part of campaigns designed to achieve important outcomes. This article describes some of what the author has learned about using social media as part of a campaign. It also presents three abridged case studies from the book Social Works: How #HigherEd Uses #SocialMedia to Raise Money, Build Awareness, Recruit Students and Get Results (EDUniverse Media 2013):
- College of William & Mary: High school seniors and their families see countless mailings from admissions offices across the country that lack individual impact. Admissions leaders at the College of William & Mary knew this when they tackled a project to create new undergraduate recruitment materials. They needed a solution that stood out from the competition, had immediate visual impact, and drove traffic to the college website. Enter the Ampersandbox, launched in August 2011. This unique campaign concept tells stories about William & Mary through highly interactive print and web components while allowing visitors to share their own stories.
- Florida State University: Three months of planning doesn’t sound long enough to prepare a 36-hour fund-raising campaign to raise $161,000. Yet this was the challenge that faced Florida State University’s then-director of annual giving Chad Warren and his staff of two fund-raisers in 2011. In January 2012, FSU’s annual giving team surpassed that goal and reached $186,000 while attracting hundreds of new donors. This was the “Great Give,” FSU’s first online-only campaign—and its foundation was social media.​
- Missouri University of Science and Technology: When a crisis hits, social media can deliver important messages to many audiences at a rapid pace. However, with all the messaging that occurs on multiple channels, the atmosphere appears ripe for confusion. How can a university or college break through the virtual noise and make sure its constituents are receiving important emergency messages? On May 12, 2011, a remarkable example of social media crisis management began to unfold at Missouri University of Science and Technology when an active shooter drove onto the campus.

Abstract: The number of individuals receiving a U.S. doctorate degree continues to grow; however, we know little about the precise factors that affect wages for recent doctorate recipients over time. Using data from approximately 10,000 respondents who completed the Survey of Doctorate Recipients, the study presented in this article examines factors contributing to wage growth over the time period 1999–2008. Findings show wage benefits for degree recipients over the decade, but also show significant differences by gender, race, discipline, and other characteristics. Findings have strong implications for individuals who may consider doctorate or other advanced training, for academic planners, and for policies in graduate education.

Abstract: College and university credit ratings directly affect institutional budgeting and planning. Hence, they should be of special concern to those charged with institutional planning. This article underscores the critical role that the ratings issued by two major rating agencies play in institutional finances and planning. Because rating agencies take into account a broad range of criteria, credit ratings remain a robust indicator of creditworthiness and can serve as signaling devices regarding institutional market positioning. Therefore, decision makers should be aware of the importance of ratings as they seek to compete for students and resources in the short run and plan for the long term.

Abstract: The article discusses the challenges that community colleges face in increasing college degree completion in an era of budget reductions and fiscal constraints. The analysis draws on data collected in the 2011 Survey of Access and Finance in which responses were obtained from all 51 members of the National Council of State Directors of Community Colleges (NCSDCC).

Abstract: To meet enrollment management and accountability needs, Maryland’s 16 community colleges monitor the degree progress of their students through the Maryland Model of Community College Student Degree Progress. Implemented in 2005, the model addressed many of the flaws in the completion metrics in use at that time and incorporated developmental education status as a key variable. Using a behavioral definition of degree-seeking, the model also included interim measures of success to account for the slower pace dictated by the life circumstances of many community college students. Findings for seven cohorts are analyzed, and results are compared to graduation rates at four-year institutions. Reform efforts in developmental education prompted by the findings of the model are described.