Learning Resources

Abstract: Book Review: Talking About Leaving: Why Undergraduates Leave the Sicences, by Elaine Seymour and Nancy Hewitt. Westview Press, 1997. 429 pages. ISBN 0-8133-8926-7.

Abstract: Book Review: Generation X goes to College: An Eye-Opening Accout of TEaching in Postmodern America, by Peter Sacks, Open COurt Publishing Company, 1996. 201 pages. ISBN 0-8126-9314-0

Abstract: Viewpoint Subtitles: Overcoming the neglect; Reconnecting with planning and policy. Pull quotes: "What accounts for the gulf between higher education research and worlds of policy, planning, and practice?" "Substantial work awaits us in examining the relation between technology and learning outcomes." "Attitudes, values, reward systems, and even philosophies will have to change." "It is time to do something.."

Abstract: Motivated originally by fear, the people rebuilt their campus, its programs, and its position in the higher education firmament. Subtitles: The "good " old days; Rethinking the college; Repositioning the college; The remake of Elon; Creating distincstiveness; Quality everywhere; What about tomorrow? Pull quotes: "We thought we would lose students, so we had to scramble." "When the faculty saw the drawings, they were thunderstruck." "The leaders decided to become a different kind of college." "The trustees were highly influential in the repositioning." "You can't design a curriculum for nerds when the students are not nerds." "We chose four values and made them the modern equivalent of old-time religious inculcation." "For us, a new show begins every day at 8 a.m."

Abstract: Planning for faculty housing in a crowded city requires some innovative moves. Subtitles: Piercing the obstacles; Money, land, and all that; What the houses will be like; A win-win solution? Pull quotes: "Institutions frequently lose faculty prospects to others which have more affordable housing." "The university decided to take a proactive stance." "We looked to other San Francisco neighborhoods for design inspiration." "Where a university's faculty live surely influences the quality of that institution's academic life.

Abstract: Book Reivew: Creativity: Flow and the Psychology of Discovery and Invention, by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. HArper Collins, 1996. 442 pages. ISBN 0-06-017133-2.

Abstract: Contends that many planning efforts are unsuccessful because they fail to account for luck, chance, idiosyncrasies, or unplanned conflict. In short, human behavior is unpredictable, and too many plans demand that it be orderly and rational. However, the author asserts that an understanding of chaos theory as applied to human behavior may help planners improve the success rates when attempting to implement strategic change. Keeping this theory in mind, plans should be: short-term and flexible; multifaceted and interactive; sensitive to organizational goals and motivators; and able to receive and interpret feedback appropriately.

Abstract: Suggests that planning efforts begin not with mission statements but with key performance indicators, or KPIs, which are substantive, measurable, and specific directions that a strategic plan must address. Some of these KPIs are outside mandates, while others are internal management objectives or goals articulated by divisions or departments. The three types of KPIs form the "givens," or the foundation of the strategic plan. They take account of the various pulls on the institution, and outline more specific ways to address multiple needs and goals. Finally, they provide benchmarks against which institutions can measure the success of their planning efforts.

Abstract: Book review: Presidential Leadership: Making a Difference, by James Fisher and James Koch. ACE/ Oryx Press, 1996. 421 pages. ISBN 1-573656-020-0.