Fixing the Fragmented University Decentralization With Direction

A fatal flaw in accountability programs is the fragmented university that leaves academic departments-the units most responsible for institutional results-out of the performance loop. Currently, decentralization fosters a disabling disconnect among societal concerns, institutional goals, and departmental aims, the three links of public accountability. How then can the culture of many research universities be transformed from provider-driven prestige to public-centered engagement? The answer is not to end decentralization but to add direction. By using strategic planning, priority budgeting, assessment and quality assurance, regional accreditation, and departmental performance reporting, large research universities will be able to set priorities and implement direction while preserving decentralization. Written for central administrators, trustees, faculty leaders, and students in higher education, this book discusses the participants and the methods for fixing the fragmented university and changing the campus culture. It brings together a group of national experts who each describe how their particular part of the puzzle can help fix the fragmented university and assist it in becoming as devoted to undergraduate education and public engagement as it is to faculty research. This book is organized into four parts: The participants Means and methods of cohesion Redesigning the mission Making it happen on campusBurke, Joseph C. is the author of 'Fixing the Fragmented University Decentralization With Direction', published 2007 under ISBN 9781933371153 and ISBN 1933371153.