Issues that seem intractable not only dominate our news but paralyze our governments. Corruption. Immigration. Religious and cultural conflict. When such issues are raised, too often we roll our eyes and give up before we begin. Using the example of corruption, the author presents ideas for how colleges and universities can help resolve…

This author realizes that an important part of his job is to make sure his graduate students get their own jobs. What that means is talking about job placement as soon as they walk in the door and tell him they want to do a Ph.D. First he informs them of the current job situation, whatever that is at the time. He makes it clear that the first…

Reinveting the Internet is not easy. Researchers working on a federally supported effort to design a replacement recently had to go back to the drawing board. They now think the best way to do it is to try several "best ways" instead of searching for just one--and to invite help from social scientists rather than just self-described computer…

Tough times are encouraging colleges to share resources in a variety of areas, including campus security, research, and degree programs. Despite its veneer of cooperation, higher education is a competitive industry, where resource sharing is eyed warily. But the recession is chipping away at that reluctance, and institutions are pursuing…

The Social Science Research Network, an online clearinghouse popular among social scientists, has created a Humanities Research Network (HRN) that is similar. To begin with, the new network will cover three areas--philosophy, classics, and English and American literature--broken down into detailed subcategories. More disciplines will be added in…

Reports on the increasing numbers of colleges and universities which are establishing wireless networks to allow student and faculty with laptop computers to connect to the college network and the Internet from anywhere on campus. Discusses the design of these networks, effects of "nomadic" learning environments, design problems, and the…

Colleges are participating in a gifts-in-kind program bid for a wide range of equipment and supplies through a clearinghouse that solicits donations. Member colleges barter with points for corporate giveaways announced in a weekly bulletin. Institutions get bargains and immediate delivery and companies can dispose of surplus efficiently. (MSE)

Higher education's leading national women's organizations are actively developing networks on large scales to translate the messages of the women's movement to higher education, linking women students, faculty, and administrators in a variety of endeavors including job placement, information sharing, and trouble-shooting. (MSE)

A New York University "magnet" program supported by the Ford Foundation provides opportunities for 11 member institutions' faculty members to pursue research, curricular, and professional projects. (MSE)

The League for Innovation in the Community College, a small group of community college presidents that helps to promote innovative and promising programs in two-year colleges by seeking funds and sharing resources, is criticized for being exclusive. (MSE)

A research network called the European Institute of Technology will be created by major European technology companies. The institute will seek to encourage greater collaboration among academic and industrial researchers in Europe by financing research in fields relevant to long-term needs of sponsoring companies. (MLW)

A network of African-American students begun at Howard University (District of Columbia) combines community service with political activism. Students working in a variety of areas urge other young African Americans to become active about local and state policies concerning utilities costs, children, and schools and to empower teenagers for…

One professor's efforts to bring high school teachers and college geography faculty together, strengthen high school geography teaching, and increase interest in the study of geography has spawned a network of alliances covering 20 states and sponsored by the National Geographic Society. (MSE)

A successful California engineering program helps minority students graduate from college by providing a strong student network, extensive tutoring and counseling, and direct faculty involvement. (MSE)

The European Journalism Network, a United States-based nonprofit organization, methodically provides seed money and technical assistance to start newspapers produced by and for students in Eastern Europe and several former Soviet republics. The publications' impact is disproportionate to their size and frequency because they are unique in that…