Proposes a role for institutional research in changing institutional attitudes about priority placed on student retention efforts. Identifies organizational/attitudinal barriers to improving student retention efforts relative to theory on stages of grief (denial, hostility, bargaining, depression, acceptance); outlines tactics for moving the…

Examined are the specific differences in the salary reward structures of eight clusters of academic disciplines included in Biglan's three-dimensional model of the academic profession. A total of 1,320 faculty at a large research university responded to the Faculty Activity Analysis questionnaire regarding the time spent in 11 categories of…

A linear causal model is postulated and path analysis procedures used to examine the direct, indirect, and total influence of 39 variables (grouped into eight general measures) on the salaries of 24,461 faculty members in every discipline and type of postsecondary institution. Wide variation is shown. (Author/LBH)

Based on 1,198 responses from chairmen in 38 state universities, this study focuses on the perception of chairmen on where major decisions are made (university, college, or departmental level), characteristics of departments by academic field, and selected personal attributes of chairmen. (Author/LBH)

Chairmen at 38 state and land-grant institutions were found to be involved in three major roles: academic (duties of student involvement and research), which they enjoy; administrative, which requires the majority of time and is less desirable; and leadership (related to academic personnel and program development), which is a major satisfaction.…

Reviews a procedure used on a state system to determine its major future research needs, to analyze them for completeness, and to provide insight into the various viewpoints held by decision-makers. (JT)

Findings suggest that Holland's theory of vocational choice can assist in the interpretation of goal priorities within the academic community. Suggestions indicate how this theory might be employed by university administrators and in subsequent research on the administration of academic departments and the roles of their chairmen. (Editor/PG)

The effect of administrative service as department chair on the scholarly careers of academic chemists is explored through an analysis of their publication and doctoral student productivity records over a two-decade period. The results indicate no significant difference in the productivity levels of the experimental and control groups. (Author/MLW)

Correlational and path analyses were used to examine the effects of four situations on self-reported ethical behaviors on four primary ethical dimensions among undergraduate communication students. The four situations are: students' ethical beliefs, students' perceptions of professors' ethical beliefs, and students' perceptions of ethical beliefs…

To determine to what extent instructional efforts differed between men and women at a large land-grant university, the following variables were investigated: number of weighted student credit hours, number of sections taught, number of different courses taught, and didactic hours by level course. (Author/MLW)

The question addressed is whether large enrollment provides economy of scale for institutional operation. The answer is masked by the complexity of an institution. The manner in which complexity, size, costs, and enrollment interrelate is examined. Curricula and complexity may severely affect per student cost. (MSE)

A study on a survey of department heads in 25 major universities that examines what department heads perceive to be the component parts in making assignments to faculty is discussed. The importance of evaluating faculty based on effort required rather than on time devoted to given tasks is stressed. (Author/MLW)

The study proposes using path analysis and residual plotting as methods supporting environmental scanning in strategic planning for higher education institutions. Path models of three levels of independent variables are developed. Dependent variables measuring applications and enrollments at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University are…