Balderston 6

Chapter 6: Administrative and Coordinating Functions

In this chapter, Balderston summarizes the bureaucratic functions of the university and some of the stresses it may bring about. Since the administrative aspects of a university runs like a business, as student and faculty populations expand, so must bureaucratic administrative systems. They help to keep the institution running. Yet, as administration expands, so do fees. This may explain the increase in tuition and fees that are three times faster than inflation rates.

Balderston also discusses the fact that all students pay the same amount for services for all students. For example, the LGBT center may be utilized by a small population, but all students contribute to it. Also, all major fields "cost" the same. For example, a degree in Biology costs the same as a degree in Writing. There may be increased lab fees, but essentially the tuition is the same for arguably different effects. This allows for all majors to receive equal credibility.

Another aspect of running the university is the coordination between the academic and administrative sides of the institution. The two sides may not share the same values or educational goals. In fact, the administrative side is often viewed in a derogatory sense by the academic side. Even so, both sides must work together to keep the institution running.