Word processing software and microcomputers can be used in the production of college catalogs with several advantages. The personal computer can assist in all phases of catalog production. In the preliminary preparation of the catalog text, the microcomputer can serve as the central location of all stored data, it can facilitate the editing…

Presents excerpts from institutional publications to demonstrate the pompous and overly complicated nature of the prose used in college catalogs. Suggests that reading specialists analyze and revise catalogs so that they will be understood by the average high school student. (JP)

Evidence derived from college catalogues, textbooks, and national convention programs is used to explore the nature and history of acting instruction in America. Stanislavski's theories and practices are discussed with reference to their acceptance in the American scene. Supplementary tables included. (JD)

Reviews the contractual relationship between students and higher education institutions and discusses how courts have interpreted this relationship in deciding legal challenges to college catalogs. Recommends 12 guidelines to help colleges minimize their risks of breach of contract litigation. (Author/RW)

Foreign language teachers' catalog course descriptions are criticized for using inappropriate arguments for them and for not clearly articulating the need for language study. These arguments favoring language study are categorized as sociopolitical, instrumental, and cognitive, and are examined individually. (MSE)

The importance of defining the college experience in specific terms in publications for prospective students is discussed. The academic area is the most vital to describe, since college work differs greatly from high school in the emphases on academic diversity, self-initiative, and study outside the classroom. Publications should describe…

Although college rankings published in mass media may not be the best way of comparing colleges, they provide more useful information than accrediting agencies, college catalogs, and most college guides. Administrators, not magazines are to blame for their misuse. Rankings can help motivate programs, departments, and institutions to improve…

Analyzes English program catalog descriptions at 81 four-year colleges. Concludes that the English major has changed little since 1965-68, with literature remaining at the core of the program. (MM)

Explores how community colleges have incorporated distance-education technology into both traditional continuing-education programs and for-credit curricula. Reports the results of a study of college catalogs and schedules from 130 colleges nationwide that revealed the availability of for-credit distance-education courses in the liberal arts and…

The dominant emerging concept in academic contract theory is that the student-college relationship is not a commercially binding contract but a more flexible quasi-contractual relationship. It allows the university maximum control of the relationship on a continuing basis, allows development of some student rights, and combines traditional and…

A report on the mail students of various test performance, self-reported grades, and academic interest received from colleges in 1983 was compared with the mail received by the daughter of the researcher in 1989. The vast majority of mail represents independent higher education; the public sector is conspicuously absent. (MLW)

The college catalog is discussed with regard to its contractual obligations and applicable federal legislation, and court cases are examined. Historical developments, elements of a contract, and student rights are also addressed. It is suggested that although the university is contractually bound by its published policies and procedures, it can…

A chronicle of the problems faced in an attempt to collect data on sociology curriculum trends in California's community college system is presented. The project was initiated in an effort to determine if other colleges in the system were experiencing the same difficulties with curriculum and enrollment in sociology courses being encountered by…

The Commission on Higher Education considers the principles and practices which identify excellence in institutions of higher education. Areas of concern include admissions and student services, faculty, organization and administration, board of trustees, educational resources, library learning center, facilities and equipment, financing and…

A guide for college-bound black students, which was researched and largely written by Brown University students, presents essays, book reviews, a glossary, and profiles of black colleges. The narrative section and authors are as follows: "A Collegiate Glossary" (Matthew Rose); "The Application Process" (Marvin Campbell); "Update: Federal Student…