Learning Resources

Abstract: Elon University is presented as an exemplar of how administrative, student services, and faculty support are needed for the appropriate planning and implementation of collaborative service-learning.

Abstract: Global job shifts will affect the future form and function of U.S. higher education. To respond effectively to 21st-century realities, U.S. colleges and universities must diversify their curricula and research, becoming nimbler and more entrepreneurial agents for change.

Abstract: Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) accreditation has had an important role in improving medical education as well as in verifying the quality of education in the nation's medical schools. In this manner, it also serves the interests of the public. Every eight years, medical schools undergo an accreditation process to determine whether they are in compliance with LCME standards. However, instead of resorting to cyclic episodes of compliance, medical schools should be in constant conformity with accreditation standards. This can be accomplished by establishing a formative accreditation process that ensures awareness of new standards or revisions and maintains ongoing compliance.

Abstract: The sustainability movement in higher education has made considerable headway in the areas of research, campus operations, and community outreach, but has been less successful in bringing about curricular reform. To promote greater thinking about sustainability in the undergraduate curriculum, this essay explores three main questions: What are the implications of sustainability for higher education? What are some noteworthy examples of institutions incorporating sustainability into the curriculum? And, what can we learn from their experiences? The author advocates implementation of a "third order" learning model, emphasizing deep learning, a participative process which takes the form of continual exploration through practice.

Abstract: This article examines trends in university planning and management concerning interdisciplinary research. The analysis of institutional documents of 99 research universities reveals regularities in the types of approaches employed. In addition to the traditional approach of creating centers and institutes, universities have taken actions to nurture interdisciplinary research teams, to invest in campus-wide interdisciplinary initiatives, and to build new models of research facilities. Illustrative examples are provided and implications for planning and management are discussed.

Abstract: A simple and readily understandable visual display of quantitative measures of academic efficiency and productivity is demonstrated in this article. This graphical construction facilitates annual comparisons of unit efficiency and productivity as well as an analysis of temporal changes in unit activity. By establishing a common framework upon which a data-driven conversation regarding unit activity is constructed, this method produces a single graphical representation of the activities of any academic unit. As such, this technique assists academic decision makers with goal setting, resource allocation and reallocation, and the program prioritization process.

Abstract: This book provides insight on the higher education assessment process with an emphasis on planning and metrics. Using their extensive experience on the University of Delaware campus, the authors give numerous examples of the integrated nature of planning. Intended for anyone on campus who is involved with the planning or accrediting process.

Abstract: A fatal flaw in accountability programs is that they leave academic departments-the units most responsible for results-out of the performance loop. This article ties together institutional priorities and departmental performance through a limited list of common departmental indicators. It also links institutional aims and departmental aspirations through a planning process using institutional and departmental feedback loops, which convey performance information but also create new knowledge through dialogue on performance. This planning approach fixes a fatal flaw in accountability programs; a similar process at Florida International University shows it works in practice.

Abstract: This article proposes a framework that can help institutions break down and analyze the costs of online learning so they can make decisions about how to improve the cost-efficiencies of online education. The framework involves looking at costs across elements (which include the two stages of development and delivery plus administration of the enterprise) and seven factors: students, faculty, other staff, course design, content, infrastructure, and policy. The elements and factors may combine and interact, thereby improving (or not improving) cost-efficiencies. Where possible, current research results are included and areas where research is needed are identified.