FORECASTING THE FUTURE OF CONSUMER PROGRAMS IN HIGHER-EDUCATION

Data from a recent survey of department chairpersons are used to identify factors that influence forecasts of departments' futures. The analyses indicate that consumer and family economics departments predict a rather bright future despite the fact that many have experienced recent enrollment declines and budget reductions. Multivariate analysis suggests that departments with increasing enrollments, increasing budgets, and strong political support are the most likely to forecast a bright future. Somewhat surprising were the findings that current enrollment, number of faculty, and presence of a graduate program did not influence chairpersons' forecasts.