Doctoral Dissertations
Date of Award
3-1981
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education
Major
Educational Administration and Supervision
Major Professor
John T Lovell
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the present status of systemwide self-studies of selected multicampus universities by determining: (I) the objectives of formal, systemwide self-studies of multicampus university systems; (2) the methods of systemwide self-studies of multicampus universities; and (3) the usefulness of the systemwide self-study approach to the multicampus university administration.
Multicampus universities were identified through the use of selection criteria. Data were collected from a questionnaire mailed to university system officers whose names had been suggested by chief administrative officers. Data were also collected from semi-structured interviews conducted at three of the multicampus universities. Interview responses were summarized and use to support the data collected from the questionnaire. Additional data were collected from self-study materials furnished by the participating universities.
Some form of systemwide self-study existed at a majority of the universities in the study. The major objective of systemwide self-study was a comprehensive evaluation of all major aspects of the entire university system.
The primary method of systemwide self-study was a highly centralized operation at the system level of administration. Systemwide self-study was initiated by the chief executive officer of the multi-campus university system.
Systemwide self-studies examined system goals and objectives, local campus gals and objectives, public service activities, instructional/learning resources and processes, and local campus policies and procedures. Principal sources of information needed for systemwide self-study involved data from system/campus administrative offices and system/campus institutional research offices.
A well-defined sense of mission, role, and scope by the system administration and constituent campuses was essential to self-study facilitation. Systemwide self-study was regarded as a separate and totally distinct activity from regular accrediting activities.
Systemwide self-study was found to be useful to the system administration of multicampus universities. Systemwide self-studies resulted in clarification of system goals and objectives, systemwide strengths and weaknesses, and improved long-term planning. Other results included major changes in organizational relationships and substantial modifications of single campus role and scope.
The high frequency of systemwide self-study activity indicated an apparent high value and confidence placed in the process by the universities participating in the study. Systemwide self-study was seen as an important component of the total academic management process as multicampus universities are directly involved in actions leading to general improvement and effective functioning and performance.
Recommended Citation
Van Pallandt, Sean, "A descriptive study of systemwide self-studies of multicampus university systems. " PhD diss., University of Tennessee, 1981.
https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_graddiss/13540