Learning Resources

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: The university faced extraordinary changes in the characteristics of its students and its mission, and the policy environment of its administrative decision making. That context and the strategic planning process undertaken by its leadership to guide rather than react to the changes are outlined. The campus adminstration had three major tasks: (1) to stimulate a more open dialogue about the university's future; (2) to plan a major external grant to ensure an institutional focus rather than a disciplinary one; and (3) to link the institution's academic program review, regional accreditation self-study, and state-mandated strategic planning to campus perceptions of critical issues and the external grant agency's criteria. The planning and evaluation center coordinated and strengthened the university's institutional responses to various external agencies by convincing the campus of the intrinsic value of such a planning process for faculty, students, and staff and by implementing a participatory process for their involvment and contribution to its new direction. The university's model and inital outcomes are described. The approach and exeriences should be relevant for other commuter institutions that are attempting to address issues of accountability and academic excellence for "non-traditional" students.

Abstract: Article Faculty and presidential perceptions of comprehensive change are not always as different as you would suspect. Pull quotes: "The most agreed-upon source of high pressure compelling institutions to undertake comprehensive change, as reported by both faculty and presidents, came from presidents and cabinets." "Who is in charge? Who does what? The more interesting, and possibly more important, question might be, who thinks who is supposed to do what?" "This study shows that presidents and faculty agree more often than the conventional wisdom would suggest."

Abstract: Article It takes external pressures and internal leadership to energize integrated planning.

Abstract: Book reviews of The Case for Tenure, eidted by Matthew W. Finkin. Cornell University Press, 1996. 211 pages ISBN 0-8014-3316-9. (and) New Pathways: Faculty Careers and Employment for the 21st Century. American Association for Higher Education: Alternatives to Tenure for the Next Generation of Academic, Inquiry # 14, by David Breneman. 1997. 16 pages; Academic Freedom Without Tenure?, Inquiry #5, by J. Peter Byrne. 1997. 17 pages; Off the Tenure Track: Six Models for Full-Time, Nontenurable Appointments, Inquiry #10, by Judith Gappa. 36. Pull quotes: "Higher education institutions in recent years have hired an increased number of faculty in positions not eligible for tenure and fewer faculty in positions that will lead to tenure." "The broader society will largely decide the future of tenure."

Abstract: Contends that new technologies demand we rethink traditional campus roles and responsibilities, and especially how we evaluate them for accreditation purposes. Current accreditation criteria reflect the values and structure of the residential campus, but are inadequate for evaluating an electronic one. Warns against allowing accreditation to impede meaningful change, nor permitting change to disassociate from an adequate accreditation process. Examines ways in which both institutions and accrediting bodies can adapt new standards and tools for evaluation.

Abstract: Considers not only how technology has affected teaching and learning, but how we might rethink the roles of teacher and student as a result of new technologies. Examines various aspects of distance learning programs, from implementation to cost to quality assurance, and suggests some guidelines for planning and assessment.