In 1996, Oregon State University had the highest athlete graduation rate in the country, at 95%. Neither faculty nor alumni are impressed with the rate because the athletic teams are not performing well. The athletic director is committed to improving athletics while recruiting bright athletes and rigorously maintaining academic standards. (MSE)

The Council for Advancement and Support of Education has adopted standards to guide colleges and universities in defining the purpose and length of fund-raising campaigns and in counting gifts. Debate over the standards has focused on the reporting of deferred gifts, government money, bequests, and other specific types of gifts. (MSE)

Stanford University's unique combination of high academic standards and successful, broad-based intercollegiate athletics provides a model for other institutions, and it is working hard to continue to attract smart, talented athletes. (MSE)

National Collegiate Athletic Association rules changes address recruiting practices, services provided to athletes, expenditures, coaching limitations, coach certification, playing season and practice limitations, scheduling, association membership, amateurism, academic standards, financial aid, and championship competition. (MSE)

The text of the report of the National Commission for Excellence in Teacher Education is presented. The commission was guided by two charges: to become informed about teacher education and to recommend to policymakers and college and university leaders ways to improve teacher education. (MLW)