Synopses & Reviews
The way in which the various departments within colleges and universities are organized has a direct impact on their effectiveness. Factors such as reporting structures, what kinds of committees are formed, and how the administration and faculty collaborate to make decisions all play key roles in how well an institution meets its objectives. However, the fact that faculty members and students are also involved requires colleges and universities to have very different organizational structures from those used in a corporate setting. In a series of succinct chapters, the author examines the functions of each department within an academic institution, then offers explicit recommendations on the types of organizational structures and processes that are best suited to carry them out. The author extends his discussions through the use of 27 maxims, which embody helpful general principles drawn from current practice and the author's own experience. Special attention is paid to the offices of the president, academic dean, and provost, as well as the functions of departmental chairpersons. The book also reflects upon the nature of successful collaboration between the administration and faculty. By addressing these organizational issues, institutions can operate more efficiently and become better prepared to meet the challenges ahead.
"Anyone interested in, or concerned about, the structure and administration of contemporary universities would do well to read Rudolph Weingartner's newest book....It is pithy and powerful". -- Robert M. Berdahl, president, The University of Texas at Austin
"A college president, provost, or dean -- yes, even a department head -- will find much here to assist inmarshaling the centripetal forces that are needed to make a university a viable, productive and progressive home for learning and discovery". -- Herbert A. Simon, professor of computer science and psychology, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Review
As a higher education professional, I found this book to be tremendously valuable. Weingartner's dispassionate yet lightly humorous look at the structure of a university makes this book a great resource to consult whenever day-to-day operations become confusing....This would be a fabulous addition, as a balance to the more theoretical texts available, to the reading list for a higher education administration class.NACADA Journal
Review
...Rudy Weingartner has developed a set of 27 Maxims which provide useful guides for institutional organization, decision-making, and governance....Administrators and faculty members alike will find this book useful and informative.Alice F. Emerson Senior Fellow, The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation
Review
A college president, provost or dean - yes, even a department head - will find much here to assist in marshaling the centripetal forces that are needed to make a university a viable, productive and progressive home for learning and discovery.Herbert A. Simon University Professor of Computor Services and Psych.
Review
The author uses 27 maxims as guidelines for improved effectiveness.Higher Education Abstracts
Review
Anyone interested in, or concenred about, the structure and administration of contemporary universities would do well to read Rudolph Weingartner's newest book, built around a series of maxims about how universities do or do not work effectively. There is much wisdom here, both for newcomers and experienced academic administrators. It is pithy and powerful.Robert M. Berdahl President, University of Texas at Austin
Review
This book examines the organization and functions of the major departments and offices within a college and university and offers explicit advice on the best way to integrate the two to achieve efficient governance.Resources in Education
Review
Rudolph H. Weingartner offers a new, analytical view of the structure of colleges and universities - explained with the help of 27 "maxims" in his latest book....The book is organized according to function....Weingartner does not advocate the traditional departmental structure as the ideal but as the most practical organizational solution available.Academic Leader
Synopsis
The way in which the various departments within colleges and universities are organized has a direct impact on their effectiveness. Factors such as reporting structures, what kinds of committees are formed, and how the administration and faculty collaborate to make decisions all play key roles in how well an institution meets its objectives. In a series of succinct chapters, the author examines the functions of each department within an academic institution, then offers explicit recommendations on the types of organizational structures and processes that are best suited to carry them out.
Synopsis
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About the Author
RUDOLPH H. WEINGARTNER is professor emeritus of philosophy, University of Pittsburgh.