Application of the CAMPUS Simulation Models to the Major Planning Decisions of a Large University

Abstract

Administrative planning and budgeting procedures within universities usually center around an argumentative pie-cutting process. Various factions argue their case for incremental increases in their budgets by moving from general statements of objectives to very specific requests for additional resources. Lack of a formal link between these two extremes makes it virtually impossible for senior administrative bodies to assay the justification of the request. An exploration and structuring of this middle ground between generalized objectives and specific resource requests must be undertaken if colleges and universities are to meet the mounting pressures on them to use their resources wisely. Educators will have to be more systematic in deciding on the physical and financial needs of new or expanded institutions, justifying budget requests to governments, foundations, etc. and allocating funds to competing users within the institution.CAMPUS (Comprehensive Analytical Methods for Planning in University Systems) is an attempt to close this gap. CAMPUS, under development since 1964 at the University of Toronto, is composed of three integrated components.