Distance administration: Multiple perspectives on multi-site institutions

It is becoming increasingly important to understand multi-campus arrangements in the rapidly changing higher education environment. Some attention has been given to the academic perspectives of such arrangements; however, there is limited published work relating to administrative and professional services. Different approaches are evident and although the organisational structure in any particular context will be determined by a host of complex and changing factors, it is important that careful consideration is given to the viewpoint of administrators who work day to day distant from the main institutional centre. This paper focuses on the perspectives of administrators within multi-campus institutions, emphasising the viewpoint of those working at sites that are not the main institutional administrative centre. It considers organisational structure and specific issues that might affect staff. Potential positives and negatives for individuals and institutions are discussed and key factors for consideration are emphasised.