Securing Internal Support for Continuing Higher Education
Lesht, Faye Louise
This item is only available for download by members of the University of Illinois community. Students, faculty, and staff at the U of I may log in with your NetID and password to view the item. If you are trying to access an Illinois-restricted dissertation or thesis, you can request a copy through your library's Inter-Library Loan office or purchase a copy directly from ProQuest.
Permalink
https://hdl.handle.net/2142/69123
Description
Title
Securing Internal Support for Continuing Higher Education
Author(s)
Lesht, Faye Louise
Issue Date
1987
Department of Study
Education
Discipline
Education
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Keyword(s)
Education, Adult and Continuing
Abstract
Little information exists about the way continuing higher education administrators secure internal support for their units. Yet, in order to thrive the continuing education unit must serve the larger organization within which it exists as well as adult learners. This study examined the way deans and directors of continuing higher education units market their units internally in order to secure support. Factors which influence the support securing process were also identified.
This was an exploratory qualitative study. The sample was composed of seven National University Continuing Education Association affiliated continuing higher education units within a midwestern state. Interviews were conducted with the continuing education unit head at each institution, staff members within the continuing education unit, and at least two members of the parent organization with whom the unit head has regular contact as part of her/his internal support securing effort. Forty administrators were interviewed; institutions varied by type and size.
In order to secure internal support the unit head found it useful to demonstrate a relationship between the unit's activities and the institution's priorities. Among the methods used to serve the institution were: recruitment, enrollment, fiscal support, exchange relationships, and faculty development. Personal contact with influential members of the institution was an important part of the support securing process.
Although staff members may play an important part in securing internal support, the continuing higher education unit head appears critical to this effort. The personality, attitude, and leadership style of the unit head influenced the nature and extent of the internal support securing effort. In order to facilitate the acquisition of internal support, the unit head must understand the values, traditions, and priorities of the institution and use this understanding to develop a unit which furthers the institution. The attitude of significant individuals within the institution about the unit also appears to influence the unit's ability to secure internal support.
Use this login method if you
don't
have an
@illinois.edu
email address.
(Oops, I do have one)
IDEALS migrated to a new platform on June 23, 2022. If you created
your account prior to this date, you will have to reset your password
using the forgot-password link below.
