Virtual U 1.0 Strategy Guide

Virtual U is a powerful, user-friendly computer simulation that introduces users to the complexities
of running a college or university and promotes thinking about colleges and universities as systems.
Virtual U is a computer game that simulates the university environment while simultaneously
guiding users through problem-solving scenarios. Virtual U targets both the institutional
professional and the interested layperson to participate in leadership challenges in a college or
university setting. Players set, monitor, and modify a variety of institutional parameters and
policies, allocate resources as they see fit, and watch as results continuously unfold. The game
provides an opportunity to experiment and succeed or fail in a safe and entertaining virtual
environment. While Virtual U is necessarily a simulation of real academic life, it is grounded in
authentic data and provides serious lessons in higher education. Toward these ends, Virtual U draws
on data from 1,200 colleges and universities in the United States. This comprehensive database
allows players to tailor their simulations to a range of university environments. Virtual U offers a
variety of variables from which a player may choose when setting up his or her institution. For
example, players can manage a small or large, public or private, or rural or urban institution. You
can also specify the level of prestige enjoyed by your college or university. Virtual U then creates
an institution that meets your specified parameters and sets challenges accordingly.
By taking the point of view of the president, the player is provided with a unique opportunity to see
the operation of the whole institution. The player can make decisions concerning operating and
financial reports and view these reports at any time and at a variety of institutional levels. For
example, a player may set budget priorities for the whole institution or a given department, or view
the research and teaching priorities for particular faculty members. Each player solves problems
faced every day by college and university administrators concerning, among others, resource
allocation, faculty hiring, enrollment management, athletics programs, and financial aid. Just like a
president of a university, a player may set policies consistent with long-term strategies or intervene
in a specific situation. And just like a real college or university, play continues as long as the Virtual
U institution remains financially viable.