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Higher education is in the position of using every dollar wisely. One way to extend faculty without new hires is through consortium agreements. The idea of a consortium is not new. This book looks at one consortium and the development of selected policies for the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance. A successful consortium requires more than a good idea and partners willing to participate, it is essential that the policies that govern the consortium are clear, fair, well thought-out, and sustainable. Without policies that address the needs of each member, the consortium is not sustainable and will go the way of many from the past. This book is a guide to some policies that have met the criteria. Higher education administrators who are looking for ways to expand their institutions offerings through distance education without expanding their expenses will find this a unique look at one option. The best practices listed and illustrated here are a guide to consortium sustainability.

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Linda Selkirk, PhD studied Educational Leadership at Colorado State University. Research area is policies for educational consortia. Employed since 1989 at Colorado State University Division of Continuing Education in Fort Collins, Colorado. Responsibilities include management of consortia programs.

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