Learning Resources

Abstract: The Oregon University System has developed a resource allocation model intended to equitably distribute state funding based on university mission and enrollments by level of instruction. The methodology is grounded on identifying and achieving the median of peer university funding. A primary feature of the model is that dollars (general fund and tuition and fees) follow the student to his or her enrolling university and are not redistributed to other system programs and universities. The model rewards campuses for meeting or exceeding system and university objectives. Accountability for achieving key indicators and stimulating resident participation is the key ingredient of budget decision making. Ultimately, the peer-based methodology has provided significant latitude to the universities in planning their enrollment and program strategies but within a framework of board, gubernatorial, and legislative anticipation and expectation.

Abstract: Colleges and universities need to identify the “core” which defines them as an institution. They need to find and declare their niche within state systems, and then build a budget around that core, that niche. Across the nation, public institutions are wrestling with declining state budget resources and increased demand for services. Traditional budgetary approaches could result in wholesale across-the-board reductions or program eliminations. What is needed is recognition of the situation, acceptance that these down cycles occur and re-occur, and a new approach to funding requests. If funding is not available for all programs, fund and preserve the core.

Abstract: One of the major issues in strategic planning is moving the academic strategic plan from planning to implementation. This article suggests that there are several effective implementation methods: using the budget, using participation, using force, establishing goals and key performance indicators, working within the human resource management system, using the reward system, using faculty and staff development, working with institutional culture, working with or around tradition, developing and using change champions, and building on systems that are ready for or are easily adaptable to strategic change.

Abstract: This case study describes the proces used at the University of Wisconsin -Milwaukee (UWM) to develop a budget for maintaining general assignment classrooms that are centrally controlled and scheduled. The genesis of the problem with general assignment clasrooms is framed within the context of the "Tragedy of the Commons" described by Peter Senge in The Fifth Dimension. At UWM this resulted in the gradual deterioration of the quality iof the general assigenment classrooms and a corresponding backlog of deferred maintenance items. To redres the situation, the Provost's Office assumed "ownership" of the general assignment classrooms and became an advocate for them in the budget process. To ensure appropriate maintenance of both the spce and equipment in the general assigenment classrooms, we developed a maintenance budget using a simple depreciation model applied to a wide array of assest in the classrooms. We also did a separate financial analysis to determine how this budget should change as we deploy sophisticated instructional technologies in our general assignment classrooms. The methods we used in this analysis can be used by other colleges and universities seeking a better understanding of the costs of maintaining bothe the general physical enviroment and the instructional technology in classrooms.

Abstract: A program cost study was conducted at a large midwestern university to determine department level expenses and revenues associated with the mission-critical activites of instruction, research, and service. The analysis is patterned after a controversial study conducted at the University of Rhode Island (Swonger and Mead, 1996: Cordes, 1996, Roush, 1996) but includes significant improvements based in the availability of well-developed models for allocating costs (Responsibility-Centered Management, or RCM) and attributing faculty effort to these mission-critical activites (Instructional Effort Report/Capacity Model). Rcm has been used for nearly a decade to allocate all campus revenue and expenses to academic units. The IER/Capacity Model has developed over the course of the ten years from a system for illustrating faculty teaching loeads to one concerned with total faculty workloads. The results of the cost study ere promulgated through a series of reports and meetings with university administrators. The reports provide to them a wealth of cost information to supplement exisiting evaluation mechaisms assesing program process and quality and were incorporataed into the annual planning and budget proceses across all campus units.

Abstract: This paper is a case study describing the use of Quality tools-without identifying them ("stealth") to aviod a strong faculty prejudice against Quality as a "corporate" concept-to lead to a task force to address critical budget issues and initiate a strategice program review involving assessment. Using How to Make Meetings Work (Doyle &Straus, 1993) as a guide, the task force successfully concluded the review process operating by consensus, mission-based priciples, and 30 quanitative/qualitative measures.

Abstract: Extols the virtues of linking planning, assessment, and resource allocation. Using California State University-Sacramento as a model, the authors explain how this integrated planning process evolved, from an initial link between planning and budgeting to one which also included assessment. Concludes with the lessons learned from the process and a review of the challenges the institution still faces.

Abstract: Extols the growing use of construction managers in college and university building projects. Explains the roles and responsibilities of such managers, and how hiring such professionals can reduce the costs and time to completion for a project. Contends construction managers are most beneficial for renovations, complex additions, phased, multi-location projects, and projects with tight budgets and/or schedules. Finally, the author offers some suggestions for facilitating the planning and hiring process.

Abstract: Have institutions neglected a fruitful way to implement their plans for change? Subtitles: From little acorns...; Factors to remember; Multiplying the transformers. Pull quotes: "Planning theory teaches one thing, life another." "Each little problem should be seen as an opportunity to introduce new ideas and practices." "Planning may be relying too heavily on top leadership and budgeting incentives." "Implementation happens in the trenches." "We often don't allow ourselves time to think."

Abstract: The in-house legal office at Stanford, faced with a need to restructure due to impending budget cuts, reduced its staff and outsourced the bulk of its legal services to law firms specializing in such areas as intellectual property, enviromental, or labor issues and willing to work within a fixed budget. Describes the transition and initial phase of the "blended outsourcing," with implications for adapting this approach to other educational support services.