Developing a Typology of Branch Campuses: Findings from the NABCA Campus and Center Administrator Survey

Abstract

Relatively little is known about the presumably thousands of branch campuses and centers represented among U.S. higher education institutions. In an effort to fill this void, the research committee of the National Association of Branch Campus Administrators (NABCA) conducted a web-based survey targeting the leaders of branch campuses and off-campus centers. Findings from the NABCA Campus and Center Administrator Survey reveal both broad diversity and significant areas of commonality among the participating institutions. The preliminary typology of branches and centers emerging from this study will provide insights to administrators regarding common practices and organizational structures as they continue to extend access to students while working with limited resources.