For those unfamiliar with Star Trek, "Dunsel" was a term introduced in the episode titled "The Ultimate Computer." It is a term used by Star Fleet cadets to refer to an entity that serves no useful purpose, in this case a human who has been replaced by a machine. The episode touches on finding the best balance between human and machine to run a…

This article reports that more colleges are dropping the SAT as a requirement for admission and, in many cases, these institutions are attracting a larger and more diverse pool of applicants. According to the National Center for Fair & Open Testing (FairTest), 740 schools have made the SATs optional. The list includes some of the nation's most…

A weak stock market has resulted in lowered returns on college endowment investments. Many institutions had funds tied up in American stocks and bonds, which performed poorly. Although most institutions say their endowed programs or scholarships are not adversely affected, some programs are being reduced or eliminated as a result. (MSE)

Roughly 20 years after Black studies and other ethnic studies fields evolved from campus protest, new questions are arising about the role of separate ethnic studies departments in face of the movement toward multiculturalism in the college curriculum. Very real economic realities underlie the academic and social concerns. (MSE)

This article recounts the origin, in 1976, of the Women's Studies Program at the Australian National University, the lack of administrative support received by the program, and its current declining status. Stressed are the difficulties such an interdisciplinary program faces at an institution organized on traditional departmental lines. (DB)

Describes and reflects on the experience of the University of Washington's Slavic languages program when faced with termination in 1995, including the initial response of faculty, staff, and students; the successful effort made to garner support from other institutions, alumni, business, and organizations; relations with the legislature;…

The Canadian university library members of two consortial e-journal deals were surveyed t o determine how many of the corresponding print journals had been cancelled as a result of their participation in the online package purchase. The survey indicated that the number of concurrent print subscriptions held by the libraries had notably decreased.…

The 10-year report of Virginia's Director of the State Council for Higher Education gives an overview of trends and changes in the state's institutions during that period, examines strategies for the future of the state's higher education planning, and discusses the role of technology in knowledge development. It outlines the broad principles of…