Learning Resources

Abstract: A state mandate to increase undergraduate enrollment, the aspiration to achieve an Association of American Universities institution profile, and a desire to become carbon neutral—we'll discuss how the University of California (UC) Riverside negotiated these competing challenges while developing its master plan. Innovation is key while achieving access improvements, research aspirations, and environmental stewardship objectives. We'll share how community college districts, private colleges, and other institutions are implementing practical solutions to the new century's challenges while maintaining the institution’s sense of place and heritage.

Abstract: The services required to support the strategic work of universities often exist in silos, and this disconnection can impede the advancement of new initiatives. To prepare for a complex new program, a number of analytical processes need to occur—background research, environmental scans, and benchmarking. To develop the initiative, strong facilitation and project management skills are also required. To ensure the initiative’s success, careful space planning and financial planning must exist along with the development of evaluative measures to monitor progress. This article describes how one university combined these services into a single department to more effectively support the strategic work of schools, divisions, and campus-wide programs.

Abstract: The Tennessee Promise has become a cornerstone of Tennessee’s higher education initiatives and has propelled the state to the forefront as a national leader in supporting higher education opportunities for high school graduates. Through a state-established endowment, the funding for the first two years of community or technical college is available to all high school graduates. The program combines student timeliness in complying with requirements and completing service activities, community mentors and involvement, high school counseling and marketing, and college engagement. This article provides an explanation of the Promise program and an overview of its implementation at two distinct Tennessee community colleges.

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: This article surveys the impact of state oversight and fiscal policy on universities’ revenue structures with special attention to tuition and state appropriations. It highlights the difficulties that arise for financial planners who face increasing state oversight, diminishing state support, and significant reliance on increases in tuition and fees. It also considers the impacts of restrictive state fiscal policies on financial planning. The author suggests that as institutional planners seek out the factors affecting revenues, it is sensible for them to consider the consequences of state oversight and state fiscal policy in their assessment of the internal and external fiscal environments.

Abstract: So, what’s happening ‘down under’ in campus sustainability? Providing an international context, our authors use Australian examples to describe planning for campus greening, learning for sustainability (curriculum), institutional learning, and competency-based training initiatives.

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: Subtitles: Response to the cuts; Thinking anew; The knell and the new. Pull quotes: "Prospects for a return to robust state appropriations seem dim." "What formula should states use to fund their public institutions?" "Each institution would thus have different cost bases." "The time for across-the-board tuitions caps may have passed." "Tuitions in the state should be more variegated, not uniform as they are today."