A discussion of external evaluation of a college or university program or unit looks at two different approaches used in the United States for accreditation purposes--standards of good practice and competency-based learning and review. Methods of maintaining consistency and eliminating bias are examined briefly. (MSE)

Assessment in higher education is shifting from the state house to the college campus. Information is provided to help campus administrators make the best decision regarding their institutions. A general perspective is offered to senior administrators with little previous experience in systematic assessment. Section I, "Assessment: What Is It…

A number of countries have predicted a serious shortage of college faculty. Recent demographic information is examined for evidence of the problem, and some salient staffing problems are identified. It is concluded that most industrialized countries will experience staffing difficulties and should consider how their responses will affect other…

The ways in which colleges and universities, acting through their institutional and professional associations, are agreeing on common ethical standards and defining improper activities are illustrated. The American Council on Education's Office on Self-Regulation has developed policy guidelines in an effort to stimulate self-regulating action.…

Examines the changing environment for serving adult learners, with special attention to new modes of delivering instruction: distance education; use of information technology; emphasis on convenience; focus on special markets; and emergence of large-scale, profit-driven enterprises. Argues that, to develop an effective response, universities must…

A review of current international activity by four-year colleges and universities in the United States summarizes available information about three general categories of activity: (1) enouraging an international flow of students and faculty; (2) integrating international subjects into academic programs and courses; and (3) collaborative projects…

For the 13th year, a national survey of changes in the academic and administrative practices of American colleges and universities was undertaken. Senior administrators at 403 colleges and universities completed and returned survey questionnaires (80 percent of a sample of 506). Responses were statistically weighted so that results were…