Surveyed Southwestern University students about how fluent with information technology they see themselves. Found that students came to college equipped with basic skills in using e-mail, Internet browsing, and word processing, but lack experience with other contemporary skills such as working with spreadsheets and databases, networking, and…

Describes the evolution and progress toward a uniquely integrated library and computer services unit at Kenyon College. Discusses its focus on constituencies; merging of the divisions; benefits for students, faculty, administrative units, and the institution; meeting challenges; and generalizing from the model. (EV)

Describes the efforts of British Columbia's Royal Roads University, a school dedicated to distance learning. Explores how a personal touch and ongoing technical support have yielded high student retention for the institution. (EV)

Describes the Tufts University Health Sciences Database, which combines course delivery, digital library, knowledge management, and curriculum management systems. (EV)

Describes the "TechTalks" offered by CREN, a nonprofit organization that supports information technology (IT) professionals with strategic knowledge services and communications tools. These Webcasts target the needs of campus IT professionals by disseminating technology developments quickly and efficiently. (EV)

Discusses a computer system that has given users the ability to generate their own reports and analyze data, revolutionizing institutional research at the University of Memphis. (EV)

Describes an initiative at Duke University (North Carolina) to develop a recognition and rewards strategy to improve the institution's ability to recruit and retain information technology staff. Details the design phase of the six job bands, guiding principles, development of a budget-neutral recognition strategy, system design, the implementation…

Describes activities resulting from a 1997 Minnesota state mandate which called for the development of a statewide virtual university. Measures the results to date against two classification systems and several sets of readiness criteria for virtual universities. Offers recommendations for advancing virtual university partnerships. (Author/DB)

A survey of faculty (n=60) and students (n=1,682) at Northwest Missouri State University concerning student expectations about information technology (IT) use in the classroom found that students expect IT use in all subject areas but desire it for between 40-50 percent of classroom activities. Students reported that PowerPoint and the document…

Discussion of planning organization design within the higher education environment stresses the goal of integrating structure and process to maintain stability while increasing organizational flexibility. Considers organization culture, organization structure and processes, networked organizations, a networked organization in action, and personal…

Offers guidelines to help colleges and universities ensure a course of telecommunications network growth and renewal, provide continuous network upgrades, and maintain a position of flexibility. Discusses focuses on principles that guide network planning and design; how to apply principles to standard building blocks and network design; voice,…

Examines four aspects of administrative software systems implementation that college and university administrators need to understand to avoid implementation pitfalls. These include: (1) system complexity, (2) dangers of customization, (3) documentation, and (4) real costs. (DB)

Urges chief information officers (CIOs) at colleges and universities to be not only information systems representatives to the executive team, but full-spectrum contributors to the institution's business strategies and directions. Considers the CIO's role in politics and public relations, finance, marketing, in relation to the chief executive…

Describes the Florida Community College Technology Refresh Program in which 28 Florida community colleges refresh their personal computer technology on a three-year cyclical basis through negotiation of a contract with Dell Computer Corporation. Discusses the contract highlights (such as a 22.5 percent discount on personal computers and on-site…

Describes the Opportunity Knocks student employment preparation program at Duquesne University (Pennsylvania) in which students receive one week of training prior to fall semester and then work to meet escalating demands for information technology support on campus. Notes special features of the program, program costs, and program impact. A…