Learning Resources

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: All universities need an integrated plan to chart their path through these turbulent times and amidst the changing expectations of higher education. This is especially true for universities in developing countries. Such universities operate with very scarce resources and limited depths of expertise, but still seek to respond to surging demand. The result is a strain on these universities and a threat to quality. This article introduces the processes and concepts of planning and development for universities in developing countries, focusing mostly on the African context. Our premise is that the basic planning processes and concepts that work in North America and Europe are still valid for universities in developing countries, even if the nature, content, and resulting strategies are very different. Therefore, this article draws from published work in planning applied in the context of the authors’ experience in higher education in East Africa. We conclude that good strategic planning is necessary for universities in developing countries, as is operational planning for programs, resources, and capital. The information in this article is more fully explored and explained in the authors’ book Planning and Resource Guide for Higher Education in Africa.

Abstract: As the importance of college increases, our collective understanding of what college is, exactly, has begun to expand. This article contributes to this emerging understanding by describing the multifunctional nature of the community college. To this end, the community college movement is framed in three ways—as a launching pad, as a (re)launching pad, and as a local commitment. The article concludes with a brief discussion of the need to support the community college movement moving forward.

Abstract: Institutions of higher learning are under continuous demand to provide data-based evidence that is responsive to state-mandated education requirements as well as federal and regional accreditation standards. Using project management techniques, a relational matrix will help to identify available documentation (such as policies, assessment results, audit reports, and data warehouse reports) and any gaps in evidence needed that may then be used to begin collaboration toward improving an institution’s culture of compliance. A matrix also shows the linkage between organizational ownership and the requisite actions that contribute to accomplishing goals that may serve as supporting evidence in addressing external requirements.

Abstract: Converging crises of climate destabilization, environmental deterioration, rising inequity, and economic turmoil call for extraordinary responses by organizations and institutions at all levels. Oberlin College, Oberlin City School District, and the City of Oberlin have launched a series of projects that join the many strands of sustainability including urban revitalization, green development, advanced energy technology, sustainable agriculture and forestry, green jobs, and education into an integrated response that serves as a model for others around the world who wish to pursue a more sustainable, integrated model for the design of a post-carbon economy.

Abstract: The role of central administration in program development varies from institution to institution. Applications of shared governance, differences in state regulations, and evolving institutional procedures result in dissimilar administrative structures. This article reports on the role of central administration in new program development, as discussed by 13 senior academic officers at 12 public universities in the Carnegie Research Universities/Very High classification. The themes of fostering institutional communication and partnerships emerged in the interviews. In addition, the perceptions of the assistant provosts, associate provosts, and vice provosts responsible for the process are included.

Abstract: Chronic disease is rapidly diminishing the health of our nation as rates of serious physical and psychological conditions such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, depression, and emotional stress continue to rise. The urban agricultural movement is one strategy that has demonstrated promise in combating the increasing costs of chronic disease related to poor health behaviors. A half-acre urban farm is developed on a medical university campus and thrives in spite of an uncertain economic climate and skepticism among some stakeholders. Details related to planning, programming, and sustainability are described and successes as well as challenges are highlighted in this case study that might serve as a template for others seeking to develop campus gardens.

Abstract: Member colleges of the Georgia Independent College Association sought to ease the burdens frequently associated with transferring among institutions by partnering with the technical college sector to create a single articulation agreement. The articulation agreement addresses students who may have only taken a few courses or received an associate’s degree at a Georgia technical college. The articulation agreement was created in response to Governor Deal’s request to focus on improving college completion rates without sacrificing educational quality. This unique partnership among private, not-for-profit institutions and the state’s technical colleges can serve as a model for other states.

Abstract: Most colleges and universities have well-developed strategic plans. But these plans may not be helpful if there is a sudden or unexpected leadership transition or crisis. Sadly, succession planning is the least understood and practiced form of planning in higher education. This neglect often results in leadership crises, confusion in leadership, disorganized search and transition processes, and a lack of appropriate professional development. This article provides a clear explanation of the meaning and purpose of succession planning as well as a guideline and process for implementing succession planning in any institution of higher education.