This book offers a synthesis of practices and policies in collegiate quality assurance, examining a range of contemporary approaches that include accreditation, student feedback, professional licensure, college rankings and ratings, and other measures of academic quality. A quality assurance model is offered that links principles of good practice to a strategic unifying vision of quality. The strengths and weaknesses of each approach are evaluated as well as how each makes a contribution to academic decision making. Examples are provided from various colleges and universities to demonstrate how various institutions developed strategic and effective quality assurance programs. In addition, guidelines are given for all educators who wish to develop a superior program of quality assurance that is as unique as their individual campuses. Chapters include background information on collegiate quality and how it is defined and measured; the role of state agencies in both quality assurance and quality enhancement; and an examination of the ethical, economic, and educational factors affecting the leadership climate in higher education today. Contains 308 references and an index. (GLR)