Learning Resources

Abstract: The growing ability of private colleges and universities to use a high level of annual endowment spending in support of current operations has been a source of financial strength during much of the past two decades. More recently, however, declining endowments at most colleges have raised concerns about declines in the availability of annual endowment spending. Decreases or stagnation in endowment spending would pose a particular challenge for colleges that have grown most reliant on such endowment support. This article describes these recent changes in endowment support for current operations, analyzes how the budgetary strains have arisen, and suggests ways that colleges may respond to the strains.

Abstract: Today’s college students believe that learning technologies are necessary tools that should be integrated into their course work. However, faculty have not yet responded to these expectations. This qualitative study engaged approximately 100 faculty and undergraduate students at the University of Washington in focus groups to explore this discrepancy between students’ desires to utilize technology and actual faculty integration of technology. Universities and colleges can resolve this digital disconnect by assisting in planning curricula to meet student and teacher needs, aligning support and services to technology adoption to overcome present barriers, and informing the design and development of educational technology.

Abstract: This article provides a survey of innovative approaches to campus transportation in the United States. The high costs of parking expansion have propelled many institutions toward a transportation demand management strategy, using parking pricing, transit passes for students and employees, and investment in bicycle infrastructure to shift many trips from single-occupant automobiles to other modes of travel. These institutions have experienced multiple benefits, including lower transportation costs, lower environmental impacts, and improved community relations.

Abstract: In response to student and faculty complaints about the amount of time available to travel between classes, an analysis of the time between classes problem was conducted at a large, public research university. Using facilities, course scheduling, and student survey data, we discovered that many students had distances to travel between classes that would normally take longer than the allotted 10 minutes. This forced them to leave class early, arrive to class late, or skip class altogether and often left them with an inadequate amount of time to complete exams. These analyses supported a decision to implement a policy regarding student scheduling.

Abstract: The purpose of this article is to emphasize the concept of utopia, which universities have used throughout history in developing their “spaces of knowledge.” This concept should continue to be an objective in the 21st century as universities look for paradigms in the architectural layout of their institutions. The implicit principle of this article is that good architecture is a necessary component in achieving educational excellence.

Abstract: Higher education institutions are urged to adopt mangement innovations but little is empirically know about the degree to which they do so. This study intergrates and triangulates several data sources in a an attempt to identify to identify the extent to which one mangement innovation, Total Quality Management/ Continuous Quality Improvement (TQM/CQI) actuallya has been adopted in the administrative practices of colleges and universities. We also assess adoption rate among institutions of different types, and propse several reasons for the differences discovered by this study. The data indicate that TQM/CQI has not been adopted to the extent claimed by some of its supporters, and suggested that claims of adoption of future innovations should be viewed skeptically rather than accepted uncritically.

Abstract: Describes the University of Washington’s attempt to support students and faculty in their access to and understanding of new information technology. Details a collaborative partnership among five administrative units to plan faculty support for the adaptation of new technologies for instructional purposes. Provides some guidelines for implementing technology support services for faculty, and details some of the obstacles the university met along the way.

Abstract: Examines traditional assumptions underlying space management and proposes an alternative approach to projecting space use. Specifically, the author recommends making projections based on space per faculty rather than space per student, and then comparing these projections with the space allocation at peer institutions. Problems with traditional methods of space allocation are discussed, as is the process of implementing this approach and identifying comparable institutions.

Abstract: Features the attempts of Stanford University to undo past errors in campus development, with a renewed focus on landscape planning designed to unify the campus. When possible, institutional planners have sought to return to the original campus landscape plan. The author discusses various impediments to the project, and examines several landscaping projects in detail. Concludes with lessons learned in the process, including the need for a comprehensive master plan, the importance of developing new funding sources, and the necessity of consistent and proactive leadership.