This brochure explains the process of higher education accreditation, describes the role of various institutions in accreditation, and offers answers to frequently asked questions. The first half discusses accreditation in general and explains what accreditation is, the difference between institutional and specialized accreditation, the Middle…

Investigates the amount of disclosure by undergraduate psychology students concerning their experience as research participants. Examines students' anticipated disclosure, and actual disclosure rates immediately after experiments and following a two-week interval. Shows disclosure rates were highest (85 percent) when students were promised…

Discussion of highly publicized regulatory problems and legal settlements involving colleges and universities leads to a proposed five-step process for improving an institutional compliance structure. Steps include selecting the compliance officer, determining appropriate reporting relationships, setting up the committee/council structure,…

A study investigated college and university compliance with the Student Right-to-Know and Campus Security Act of 1990, measured by provision of a summary security report with admissions information. Of 149 institutions contacted, the percentage providing any information about the law was low. Only 4 of the 16 institutions providing any information…

Many university athletics departments are running significant deficits, making critical full reporting on all expenses, by sport. Anything less than full disclosure by sport of all related expenses misleads institutional leaders, students, alumni, and legislators into believing that football and men's basketball teams can bankroll…

A discussion of federal cost accounting standards (CAS) chronicles briefly the history of CAS, notes other pertinent regulations applicable to higher education, summarizes the initial standards drafted for colleges and universities, and examines disclosure statement requirements and implications of noncompliance. (MSE)

Argues students have misconceptions about whether they may see letters of recommendation if they do not value their right of access. Reports students incorrectly believe they may view letters of recommendation if they are not accepted and that they can see the letter before it is sent. Recommends faculty who write letters of recommendation should…

Federal regulations governing receipts from fund-raising events at colleges and universities are summarized, including rules concerning tax deductions for raffle tickets, how and when to acknowledge donor gifts (cash or non-cash), and disclosure of fair market value. (MSE)

The article recommends that colleges and universities have a clear and detailed endowment policy that will meet donors' demands for accountability. The disclosure document needs to address investment policy and use of gifts and be communicated to trustees and staff. A collaborative relationship between fund-raising and financial operations is…

Since the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 116, Accounting for Contributions Received and Contributions Made, in June 1993, guidance has been sought in understanding its impact and implementation. Specific key provisions deal with contributions received and contributions made,…

This booklet offers guidelines for conflict of interest issues and disclosure for members of governing boards of institutions of higher education. It urges institutions to develop conflict-of-interest policy documents to guide decisions concerning such topics as defining what constitutes "conflict of interest"; the board's role in cases of an…

Setting up a successful interinstitutional data-sharing project involves commonsense guidelines: be clear about what is wanted, take advantage of what already exists, use appropriate technology, staff adequately, recognize institutional differences, and concentrate on achieving insight rather than precision. (Author/MSE)

Describes the legal responsibilities of schools and colleges in the disclosure of student records, information, and evaluations, with particular reference to the impact of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. Provides some guidelines to follow when maintaining or disclosing information concerning students. (PGD)

Neither the typical academic nor the average journalist understands well what the other does. There has been a major shift in the way the American press treats education, and education leaders and scholars must learn to deal with the media differently. This requires openness, responsiveness, and competence in the college public affairs office.…

Two retired university public relations professionals (Ray Colvig and Bob Beyers) are profiled, and their reflections on changes in higher education and campus public relations are offered. Both argue that uncompromising commitment to integrity, support of administration and colleagues, making oneself available, and making academics a priority are…