“This institution charges $50,000 for tuition. We have 2,000 students. That’s $100 million. Where is it? What did the administration do with all that money? Can someone just explain it to me?” All across the country parents, students, alumni, faculty and staff concerned about and frustrated by the price of…

Dean: Hello. I’m the new dean of the college of business, and I have big plans for our school. We’re the best school on campus-accredited and nationally ranked. More people need to know it and recognize us. I want to make sure we are attracting the best students and faculty…

“There are so many boards at this institution. Who’s really in charge? What do they do? How do people get on the board?” Higher education boards can be confusing. …

Memorandum To: Foundation Board of Directors From: Vice President for Institutional Advancement Janet Cash Re: Art Collection and Scholarship Funds At the last board meeting, Vice President for Enrollment Michael Rank provided a compelling case for additional scholarship funding of at least $15 million. Everyone agreed that enabling student success…

Scene: Mathematics department faculty meeting at a public institution. Agenda item, “New Fountain,” listed under old business, is about to be discussed.* Slope (Department Chair): ( Cordially) At the last faculty meeting, many of you brought up concerns about the plans for a new fountain to be installed in front…

Every institution needs additional resources. Higher education faces historic challenges to viability and ensuring student success. During times of scarcity, and perhaps even critical need, accepting every contribution presented is tempting. …

From a reader: Please just explain to me why a college/university would/should continue supporting sports programs that make no money and, in fact, result in subsidization, which could be argued is to the detriment of the student success mission for nonathlete students? Great question. I’ll hit a few highlights, point…

It’s the height of the hoop-jumping season for aspiring senior administrators participating in national searches (there are no further references to basketball or March Madness in this essay). If you’ve ever wondered, “How did they get hired?” …

Students: (Shout simultaneously) Officer Quincy! Officer Quincy:(Smiles proudly) What are y’all doing here so late tonight? Student 1: We just finished the first night of phonathon! (Takes a bite of pizza.) Help yourself. Officer Quincy: That’s rocking fundraising, old-school. Get lots of money; we need raises. …