A series of unprecedented scandals has eroded confidence in big-time sports, increasing the appetite for change. Some critics have a tough time seeing the NCAA as a savior; they say the real problem is the NCAA structure itself, which allows athletes to generate billions of dollars for colleges while earning no compensation themselves. Mark A.…

When Timothy J. Foley started interviewing Georgetown alumni for the university's advancement office, he was surprised at how open they were. It was not unusual for them to cry or vent as they talked to Mr. Foley, a 2006 graduate who works for the university. The interviews were the centerpiece of a program started by James M. Langley, the…

Michael J. O'Connor, the physical-plant director at Appalachian State University, is watching his staff shrink bit by bit. When people leave, he's not rehiring. There is one exception to his staffing plan, however. Despite the economic duress, he is conducting a national search for a sustainability director. The university has ambitious…

After a month of celebrating the largest boost in federal spending on scientific research that most of them have ever seen, university presidents are increasingly tuned to the possibility of a downside. The new money--primarily from a $21.5-billion jump in research-and-development spending in the economic-stimulus law--is certainly welcome,…

In the hyper-competitive world of intercollegiate athletics, where programs vie to win national titles, attract talent, and build the best facilities, keeping a close eye on trends and emerging practices is a necessity. With that in mind, "The Chronicle" asked more than three dozen experts to describe the changes they expect to see in athletics…

Discusses Ohio State's $79 million athletics program, the biggest in the United States, and the enormous responsibility and payoffs of administering it. (EV)

Representatives of American publishers have agreed that an assertive new effort is needed to prevent unauthorized copying of electronic materials, particularly through computers linked to the World Wide Web. Copyright management systems are proposed as a means to provide protection for content of intellectual property and for on-line financial…

As campus student volunteer activities have grown, colleges have acknowledged the need for better organization by hiring recent graduates to coordinate them. The young deans have proven to be both enthusiastic and effective at this task. (MSE)

Supporters of the new direct student loan program are critical of the private loan-guarantee agencies that cover lender losses on defaulted loans, portraying them as greedy, inefficient, and plagued by conflicts of interest. In turn, the agencies and banks doubt federal capacity to manage student borrowing. (MSE)

Discusses the debate among experts over why New York University's for-profit venture went under--the changing economy or bad decisions? (EV)

Charlotte West, a leading candidate for athletic director at Southern Illinois University, may become the only female athletics director at a university playing football in Division I, the top competitive level. She is considered likely to bring men's and women's sports closer together. (MSE)

Colleges and universities are finding that improvements in the guaranteed student loan process are making it more attractive than direct lending. In its third year, the direct lending program's total loan volume remains at 33%, well below the 50% goal set in originating legislation. Even some of its strongest supporters fear the program will have…

Increasingly, large universities are requiring their individual schools to be financially independent, encouraging more fiscal responsibility. However, none of the institutions turning to decentralization have succeeded in making all divisions self-supporting. (MSE)

Provides data showing the numbers of college athletics officials by race and sex for 1999-2000. Analysis indicates most senior administrators are still white males, but that the number of female and minority coaches is increasing. Notes sidetracking of African Americans into academic advising and development of internship programs for females and…

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, a new nonprofit organization hoping to oversee key management functions of the Internet, earned the blessing of academic network groups but was scorned by critics during its first public meeting. The U.S. government is eager to turn Internet operations over to an international organization,…