The extent to which a two-year college's effectiveness is linked to dominant organizational culture type (clan, adhocracy, hierarchy, or market) was examined. A survey of faculty and administrators in 30 representative colleges found that perceived effectiveness is strongly related to culture type, with adhocracy (characterized by employment of…

Sexually oriented conduct in educational institutions is no longer viewed as harmless loutishness best ignored but as an unlawful act that can result in litigation and severe penalties. On college campuses, the best method for addressing harassment includes formation of appropriate policy, complaint procedures, and a program of prevention. (MSE)

A female college faculty member describes incidents and an overall climate of sexual bias, discrimination, and harassment, both overt and covert, at one university. The problems extended from professional peers to administrators who did not respond positively to her stated concerns. (MSE)

One of the principal drafters of Stanford University's regulation concerning verbal harassment on campus proposes an interpretation of the conflict between civil rights and civil liberties in this situation. Contrasts in the two approaches to injury and the public/private distinction are highlighted. The text of Stanford's regulation is appended.…

A survey of 38 graduating dental students assessed the types and sources of perceived mistreatment. Students perceived an average of 35 separate incidents. Psychological mistreatment was most common; physical mistreatment was relatively infrequent. Classmates and clinical faculty were the most common sources. Sexual harassment was perceived by…

To maximize the effectiveness of their campus security systems while minimizing the institution's exposure to liability, campus administrators must understand the legal context in which their police or security personnel are operating as agents of authority. Some of these policy and behavior issues are explained. (MSE)

It is argued that, although Canadian universities face serious problems of money, morale, and purpose, their main problem may be that they are ill-equipped for constructive, institutionwide problem solving because of a preoccupation with finances, lack of useful decision-making or decision-implementing structures, and neglect of their own…

An Association of American Medical Colleges working group on student professional ethics suggests improving (1) admission criteria; (2) the medical school learning climate, including consideration of cultural diversity; and (3) communication of expectations to students. An AAMC initiative for instruction, instructional material development, and…

A recent study, "Alcohol and Drugs on American College Campuses," has prompted calls for more aggressive substance abuse prevention programs. The report cites widespread alcohol abuse and links drinking patterns to college size. In response, policymakers and higher education officials express concern about alcohol's relationship to…

Based on a review of recent literature, demographic patterns and trends of female and minority college faculty are outlined and faculty perceptions of their experiences in academe are described. Three propositions concerning incentives, rewards, and college climate are offered for institutions striving to enhance and support a diverse faculty.…

A one-semester, credit-bearing course for parents of Wichita State University freshmen improves retention because parents can help freshmen adjust to the university environment. The course provides information about the institution through monthly articles and cassette audiotapes. Parents receive identification cards and parking decals and may…

German higher education differs substantially from American undergraduate study, and American students planning to study there should be prepared for less accessible faculty, more independence, little organized student life, less academic structure, and potential problems of credit transfer. (Author/MSE)

The traditional collegiate ideal is institutionalized on many campuses through the structure and types of services offered by student affairs units. To change the collegiate ideal to represent a more inclusive environment, student affairs professionals must examine their policies and procedures and make changes that will help meet the…

Argues that the traditional definition of the collegiate ideal is inappropriate for vocational community-college students and that a more realistic portrayal of students and their programs is needed, taking into consideration the reality of fiscal constraints. "Contract education" and partnerships between colleges and industry can help students…

While the climate for students of color at public institutions in states where affirmative action has been curtailed is chilly, some neighboring private institutions are exploiting the opportunity to gain in diversity. Some fear the anti-affirmative action trend will soon begin to affect even private institutions. (MSE)