Learning Resources

Abstract: Financial planning is an increasingly critical function within higher education institutions. Its pivotal and multifaceted role is described in detail in this article. Based on many years of experience in higher education, the authors offer practical suggestions on how best to locate the function organizationally and perform it effectively. They discuss how environmental trends, both external and internal, are likely to impact future financial planning, the several ways in which financial planning can add value in the decision-making process, and how organizational context influences financial planning. The focus throughout is on organizational dynamics rather than analytic models.

Abstract: Healthcare reform efforts in both the Clinton and Obama administrations have attempted to address college and university health. Yet, although the world of healthcare delivery has almost universally evolved to managed care, school health programs have not. In general, school-sponsored health plans do little to improve access and have adopted strategies that may in fact breach the school’s fiduciary duty to the student. For these health programs to survive, planners must embrace change and integrate their operations with standard health insurance systems. In this way, they can do good both for students and families and for the future of college and university health.

Abstract: Many institutions of higher education develop assessment systems to demonstrate evidence of value added and to meet accreditation requirements. The sustainability of such assessment systems is usually defendant on creating a culture of assessment, which entails establishing shared values and principles and implementing practices designed to meet organizational goals. A survey of 119 assessment professionals revealed both the challenges and facilitating factors in creating and sustaining a culture of assessment. This article presents the survey results organized by an institution’s stage of development in establishing a culture of assessment: beginning, progress, or maturation. The article also provides specific examples to help institutions move along the continuum or improve their current practices and concludes with a discussion of policy implications

Abstract: Strategic planning is critical to ensuring that institutions of higher education thoughtfully and systematically position themselves to accomplish their mission, vision, and strategic goals, particularly when these institutions face a myriad of risks that can negatively impact their continued financial viability and compromise their ability to achieve their goals. This article argues that it is both logical and desirable to integrate risk management and strategic planning into one coordinated, holistic process to create a synergistic effect that leverages the benefits of both processes and makes them mutually reinforcing. The article notes that strategic planning and risk management unfortunately appear to be mostly undertaken as separate activities, something seemingly borne out by the plethora of writing on the disparate subjects and the dearth of writing on their integration.The article also discusses how to integrate risk management and strategic planning into a holistic process by sharing the experience of The PennsylvaniaState University’s Mont Alto campus as a potential best practice.

Abstract: Linear planning and decision-making models assume a level of predictability that is uncommon today. Such models inadequately address the complex variables found in higher education. When academic organizations adopt paired-down business strategies, they restrict their own vision. They fail to harness emerging opportunities or learn from their own mistakes. Better models do exist, however, and can help educational planners improve planning practice. Strategies employed in design professions (like architecture) incorporate non-linear, iterative, synthesizing processes. Iterative techniques can help organizations (and their leaders) understand and deal with change in proactive ways. This article defines and illustrates iterative planning strategies and metaphors that may help, such as decision-making spirals, interactive learning methods, design thinking, improvisation, chaos theory, and the collaborative design-studio format.