Patrick A. Grant was stolen in April. A thief walked away with a laptop containing the University of Virginia biochemist's name and Social Security number, as well as those of more than 7,000 other professors, staff members, and students. The machine belonged to a university employee who had taken it off campus--and then it was simply taken. The…

Describes how academic lobbyists are trying to decide whether to back a proposed bill that might shield universities from getting sued for electronic piracy, or to fight for a better deal. (EV)

Describes how as colleges keep more information about students in electronic records, institutions struggle for ways to make sure only the right people gain access. (EV)

Describes why a new law requiring California colleges to warn people of security breaches involving their computerized personal data has administrators worried about both cost and liability. (EV)

Describes how many college officials are confused by the USA Patriot Act, a new anti-terrorism law that may affect campus networks and library records; they believe its provisions could raise privacy and academic freedom issues. (EV)