The rankings of colleges and universities in a recent news magazine are meaningless, confusing, and dangerous, encouraging the kind of competition that puts higher education at risk. (Author/MSE)

A new trustee discusses the task ahead of her including: problems when a trustee is a woman, public's view that trustees are largely honorary and ineffective, two extreme views of trustee responsibilities, changing role of the university, and the advantages of being a new trustee. (MLW)

Issues of public concern for higher education are identified: quality of higher education; opportunity and choice for all qualified citizens; price and cost of higher education; public understanding of the purposes of higher education; and higher education's relation to the workplace and economic development. (MLW)

The response of the magazine "U.S. News and World Report" to criticism of its college ranking methodology included changes in the determination of indicators and reporting of data. However, the research still relies on subjective information, and its conclusions, therefore, are questionable. (Author/MSE)

Corporate/college relations is a new activity for the business community, growing partly out of concern over the widespread ignorance and hostility among faculty and students. Business and education share common problems--inflation, government regulation, pressure from women and minorities, and tenure--and cooperative programs result in mutual…

The growth in cynicism about universities is discussed. None of society's institutions depends more than universities on the public belief that their purposes are more public-spirited and less self-interested. (MLW)

Small, independent colleges are endangered the most by public misconceptions of their role, value, and stability. New understanding of these colleges' financial and other support needs must be reflected in public policy if they are not to become a lost national resource. (MSE)

Responding to diminished public esteem means intensifying efforts to create an ethical college climate. Educators face these ethical challenges: managing institutions ethically; teaching ethics to students, both in class and in dealing with student behavior in an educational setting; and serving as ethical leaders for the wider community. (MSE)

Until governing boards take a more proactive stance regarding their institution's general education program, critics are likely to continue to question the quality of American higher education. Because of campus politics, it can be difficult for administrators to lead a movement toward curricular change without persistent board support.…

The Association of Governing Boards' Office of Public Policy, whose function is to keep member trustees informed about public policy issues on the national and state levels, is discussed. The need for a communications link between colleges and the public, media and government is emphasized. (MLW)

The conception and development of a plan to lease community college property for oil drilling is described, emphasizing the governing board's role in the process. The risks, uncertainties, relationships with local fuel companies, and positive public perception are discussed. (MSE)

Four professionals discuss issues in the periodical evaluation of college presidents: increased pressure for evaluations, formal versus informal assessment, determining needs and purposes, criteria, use of consultants, and broad role. (MSE)

Responding to the cost debate, higher education must look carefully at all the ways its institutions serve the public, then work together to convey that message to labor, business and industry, public officials, school teachers, parents, and others, building constituencies among those with a stake in higher education's success. (Author/MSE)

The ways in which Coppin State College improved its image among and its marketing to potential students within the urban community are described. The following self-assessments were undertaken: faculty, student, and community perceptions and the needs of residents and employers were surveyed. (MLW)

According to a continuing survey of higher education leaders, the greatest external challenges for 1991 include negative public opinion, shrinking state and federal support, tax policy and disclosure issues, and changing faculty and student demographics. Some solutions and opportunities are outlined. (Author/MSE)