The main provisions of New Zealand's new requirements for financial reporting by higher education institutions and the new funding system based on full-time-equivalent enrollment are summarized. It is concluded that the requirements will improve accountability to the public. Some weaknesses are also identified. (Author/MSE)

The role of the central university computing center in the age of personal computers includes custodian of the administrative database, provider/coordinator of network services, provider of expertise on end-user computing, provider of large scale computation, coordinator of computing in the institution, and a scholarly workstation. (DB)

Concerns arising from the substantial changes in Australian higher education in recent years are discussed, including system centralization, elimination of the binary system, institutional stability, underfunding, and system size. A new fee-based funding system is proposed as a means of raising revenue, improving quality, promoting efficiency, and…

Two approaches to assessment of quality in higher education, the production-measurement and stakeholder-judgment perspectives, are described and compared in a review of literature. It is concluded that, although the production-measurement approach is dominant, it is too narrow a conceptualization and cannot accommodate the diversity of goals and…

The staff development program at the University of New South Wales (Australia) differs from traditional university programs in that it integrates professional development activities for both general and academic staff. The Professional Development Centre operates as an academic unit and performs both teaching and research functions. (MSE)

A discussion of the effects of Australia's restructuring of higher education on institutional diversity focuses on one institution, the University of South Australia, which resulted from a merger of two institutions. The decision-making process for establishing institutional mission and objectives, implementation process, and research needs are…

A computerized system used in an Australian university school of education to allocate faculty teaching loads equitably and flexibly is described. It features reconciliation of workloads based on (1) course design and enrollment and (2) formulas relating to administration, research, and development responsibilities negotiated within the faculty.…

A survey of University of California central administrators sought views on five key aspects of performance appraisal: (1) communication and feedback; (2) work objectives; (3) job duties; (4) communication with supervisors; and (5) effectiveness of communication, training, and rewards. (Author/MSE)

Research on performance of older college faculty is reviewed, and in light of the findings, the emphasis in Australia on negative outcomes of an aging academic workforce is questioned. Concern is expressed about the trend toward early retirement incentives and a perceived link between faculty performance appraisal and age stereotyping. (MSE)

An Australian study investigated attitudes of 357 foreign university students and 359 Australian students concerning each other's friendliness, extent of current contact in/out of class, and preferred level of contact. Differences in the two groups' perceptions were found, associated with degree program. Differences between Australians and…

A study analyzed the performance of undergraduate students overall and by discipline in all Victorian (Australia) universities and identified key determinants of student progress in undergraduate courses. Data were drawn from 1990 student files. Findings and their implications for college admission policies and future research are examined.…

Recent changes in the Australian higher education system have created some basic contradictions: (1) "privatization" that does not equate with institutional autonomy; (2) ambiguity over higher education as a public vs. private good; (3) larger enrollments, but increased emphasis on research over teaching; and (4) focus on diversity…

Funding trends in Australian higher education are examined over a 12-year period, with analyses for the system as a whole and for 2 sectors: the old, established universities and the newer, emerging institutions. The effects of funding shifts on program emphases and student populations (undergraduate vs. graduate) are discussed. (MSE)

A discussion of higher education as a market economy focuses on the situation in Australia. First, the nature of markets in higher education is examined. Subsequently, the role of the Federal Labor party's policy since 1983 in creating the current economy is assessed. Possible future policy directions are explored. (MSE)

Implications of two trends in Australian higher education are considered. These trends are shift to a fee-for-services system in which the government pays less of the cost of higher education; and move toward deregulation, with elimination of centralized planning and emphasis placed on institutional response to student demand. (MSE)