Learning Resources

Abstract: Effective benchmarking demands continuous change with equal emphasis on identifying the goal and understanding why the goal is important. In this article, the authors suggest analytic frameworks that might be useful in moving benchmarking from a tracking and monitoring exercise to an organizational process that informs the strategic decision making of university administration.

Abstract: Spain has experienced a period of profound change affecting its political, social, and economic systems in the last two decades. These changes, in turn, have affected the higher education system considerably. Because they have taken place over a short period of time, these changes have created a dynamic situation. Although the consequences of most of these changes have been extremely positive, some unintended negative effects have also occurred. Both positive and negative consequences of the fast change are discussed in this article.

Abstract: This article analyzes educational mission in terms of three foundational questions: what is the purpose of higher education, who should higher education serve, and how does the higher education institution fit in to the larger society? The author considers the factors influencing the mission of higher education within the context of these questions. She argues that institutions must define a clear and vibrant mission arising from their individual value systems by answering the three questions.

Abstract: In this article, the author reviews 60 articles about students that were published between 1969 and 1999. She identifies five distinctive galleries of student portraits as they were revealed in the writings of authors over the 30-year period. Galleries visited and analyzed for their impact on higher education are Student Protest, Open Admissions, Diversity, Lifelong Learning, and Student as Consumer.

Abstract: This article presents reasons for and against in-house master planning and provides recommendations for those who might be tempted to pursue this activity. The article is the result of reflections on the recent in-house production of a facilities master plan for Mesa State College.

Abstract: In 1998, the Texas legislature wanted to change the health-related institutions’ appropriations method to formula funding using the 1992 space model. Many legislators questioned the accuracy and validity of this model due to large predictions of unmet space needs. At the request of the Senate Committee on Finance, the commissioner of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board appointed an Advisory Committee consisting of representatives from all 11 Texas health-related institutions to review the 1992 model. This article describes the consensus environment and process that fostered the development of the January 1999 compromise space model.