Course Description: Through lectures, visiting presenters, student presentations of literature and projects and readings, this course is designed to be an introduction/survey of administration, organization and governance of higher education institutions in the United States.  Class discussion is very important in exploring the many structural, historical, contextual and current issues that are encompassed by course subjects.  Visiting speakers will be invited when relevant to the assigned topic.

Course Purpose: The purpose of this course is to present an overview of the administrative, organizational and governance issues that exist across higher education institutions and systems in the United States.  In addition to introducing students to the issues, this experience is intended to help students understand the competencies and training necessary to undertake various operational roles in higher education.

Course Objectives: The successful completion of this course will result in the student being: (1) knowledgeable of administrative roles that exist in higher education and what is required of an individual to hold one of these positions; (2) aware and informed of the nature and variety of organizational structures that exist in higher education; (3) understanding of the role of governance mechanisms and the responsibilities of individual members of governing boards; (4) more aware of the overall interconnectedness of these issues and others to the quality and viability of higher education; and (5) more prepared to deal with current issues in higher education as a result of a deeper and broader understanding of these operational aspects of institutions and systems.

Accommodating Students With Special Learning Needs: In accordance with University policy, students with documented sensory and/or learning disabilities should inform the instructor so that special needs may be accommodated.

Honors Pledge: Each student is expected to abide by the honor system of Old Dominion University: “ I pledge to support the honor system of Old Dominion University.  I will refrain for any form of academic dishonesty or deception, such as cheating or plagiarism.  I am aware that as a member of the academic community, it is my responsibility to turn in all suspected violators of the honor system.  I will report to the Honor Council hearings if summoned.”

Course Requirements: Students enrolled in this course will be expected to meet the following:

1) Attend class on a regular basis, read text assignments prior to class, come prepared to discuss issues relevant to a particular class session and participate actively and productively in class discussions.  Class discussion is a critical part of the learning process for this class.

2) Students registered in ELS 794 will read one article and those registered in ELS 894 two articles each week on a topic related to higher education administration, organization or governance and write a one-page abstract and critique to be handed in with a copy of the article at the end of the each class period.  Some articles will be topics of brief presentations in class as well depending on the amount of time available.  Articles are expected to be from the published journals or book chapters, not from The Chronicle or Change Magazine or newspapers.

3) There will be a group project assignment that will likely involve two ELS 894 students and one ELS 794 student, depending on enrollment.  It is expected that the ELS 894 students will take the lead on this effort but that it be a project that actively involves each group member.  A written report of the project of twenty pages is required and an oral presentation of one hour for each project will occur late in the semester.

4) Successfully complete a comprehensive final examination.  This assignment will consist of eight questions, five to be answered by ELS 894 students and four by ELS 794 students.  The exam is a take-home exercise that will be made available at the last regular class period and is due at the scheduled final examination period.

Grading: Grades will be determined according to the following:
Attendance and Participation–15%
Abstracts and Critiques–15%
Group Project Paper–25%
Group Project Presentation–15%
Final Examination–30%

A 92-100
A- 90-91
B 82-89
B- 80-81
C 72-79
C-70-71
D 62-69
D- 60-61
F Below 60

Office Hours: Monday–Thursday: 9:30–11:30a.m.
Prefer by appointment.  Other times by appointment as well.

Required Texts: How Colleges Work: The Cybernetics of Academic Organization and Leadership. 1998. Robert Birnbaum, Jossey-Bass, San Francisco.

Managing Today’s University: Strategies for Viability, Change and Excellence. Second Edition, 1995.  Frederick E. Balderston, Jossey-Bass, San Franscisco.

Course Calendar: The following is an intended outline of activities and assignments for the semester.  This is likely to change as issues arise from in-class discussions and depending upon the availability of guest speakers.  Please be aware that none of the speakers have confirmed their availability to attend class.  This schedule projects the ideal schedule for the semester.  Changes will no doubt occur.

January 16–Course Introduction; Review of the Syllabus; Overview Data of Higher Education.

January 23–Balderston, Chapters 1&2.

January 30–Birnbaum, Chapters 1&2. Dr. John P. Broderick, Acting Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, SACS Accreditation.

February 6–Balderston, Chapters 3&4; President Runte.

February 13–Birnbaum, Chapter 3; Dr. Ed Neukrug, Chairperson, Educational Leadership and Counseling

February 20–Balderston, Chapters 5&6; Dr. Dana Burnett, Vice President for Student Life.

February 27–Birnbaum, Chapters 4&5; Dr. David Hager, Acting Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost

March 6–Birnbaum, Chapters 6&7. Dr. William Graves III, Dean, Darden College of Education.

March 13–No Class, Spring Holiday.

March 20–Balderston, Chapters 7–10; Mr. Robert Fenning, Vice President for Administration and Finance.

March 27–Birnbaum, Chapters 8&9; Ms. Clovia Hamilton, Director of Intellectual Property and Research Compliance; Ms. Ruth Smith, Executive Director, Old Dominion University Research Foundation.

April 3–Balderston, Chapters 11–13; Dr. Robert Ash, Interim Associate Vice President for Graduate Studies and Research.

April 10–Balderston, Chapters 14-16; Dr. John R.Broderick, Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Mr. Alonzo Brandon, Director of Capital Campaign.

April 17–Class Presentations.

April 24–Class Presentations; Final Exam Handed Out.

Final Exam–Comprehensive Take-Home Exam Due