Changing times call for changing solutions; developing a university's larger vision is not just an academic question.

This University Business Magazine Special Supplement, prepared by our Custom Publishing Group, explores through peer-to-peer experiences the solutions and partnerships that savvy administrations are employing to improve, manage, and maintain the physical, conference and dining components at campuses over the next decade.

A consistent principle at IHEs nationwide is that all hands--including students, parents, alumni, corporate execs, faculty and support staff--need to pull together to foster and leverage:

* Student connectivity or advocacy

* Lifelong connections with all stakeholders, ever more important in these challenging times

* Improved relations and programs with Business and the Community--taking care of the Institution (and its reputation) on behalf of the past, the present, and the future

The non academic obligations and operations of colleges and universities were once thought to be distinct and unavoidable tasks, cost-centers separate from the larger, more substantive, issues facing higher education. But in today's (and tomorrow's) world, with intense competition among IHEs, better environments and facilities--buildings, grounds, conference centers, dining services--are now of critical importance as well.

Campus environments that are more pleasing to the eye, more comforting to the body and soothing to the soul are required for an institution to remain competitive, to attract and retain students and faculty. Facilities, dining, conference and hospitality have become closely integrated with virtually all higher education missions and goals. At the same time, well-planned changes in these important areas should also have a positive impact on the bottom line, developing new/improved revenue streams, and controlling operational costs.

Yet, the scale of these projects--combined with the needed speed of execution--increases the risks and the responsibility for IHE senior management. This is precisely why it can be very cost-effective to turn to expert partners. The best ones have deep, current experience in similar projects to help your team plan, execute, and manage programs and projects, to bring them in on time, on budget, and--most importantly--in fulfillment of the original goals.

We hope that the examples presented here of the challenges, solutions and benefits gained at a range of different Institutions of Higher Education will be informative and thought-provoking as you consider your campus' needs in these areas as well.

Sincerely,

David Fales, Publisher University Business Magazine