The tension between "urban" and "research" in an urban research university has led to the creation of a small, service- and community-oriented honors program that serves the needs of academically talented students at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Another hallmark of the program is its constantly evolving…

A thorough review and revision of curriculum at San Jose State University (California) illustrates that the modern university can achieve major internal academic reforms when two important conditions are met: legitimacy and energy. These two concepts are defined and practical illustrations are drawn from the institution's recent experience in…

This article describes some of the innovations occurring in higher education that are designed to help students develop a deeper understanding of cultural differences as well as the skills needed to live and work in a diverse world. Examples of curricular, cocurricular, and partnership initiatives are provided. (Author/PW)

The University of Michigan Dearborn's school of engineering established a center for engineering education and practice that combines teaching, research, and practice in collaboration with industry. It funds projects each year to answer real questions in the engineering community, enhance the school's curriculum, and provide hands-on experience…

Department chairpersons should guide their departments to meet contemporary challenges by focusing on fostering student learning more effectively, stimulating faculty development, and engaging in curriculum development that responds to new academic syntheses and multidisciplinary approaches. (JB)

Development of community outreach partnership centers (COPCs) requires adaptations in the university environment. Institutions must reexamine and reinterpret the roles and responsibilities of faculty, design of the undergraduate curriculum, structures of the university that create the capacity to support and sustain different working relationships…