Using a political system theory approach, this case study examined the conflict that developed between the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the State Department of Public Instruction between the mid-1970s and mid-1980s for control of a teacher education program. Conclusions highlight political and governance ramifications for teacher…

The idealistic picture of the professor as teacher and researcher is examined. Each section of this article presents an argument against the overemphasis on research that is widespread at universities. (KR)

The German research university concept was under pressure in the 1980s, but the value system has not changed much. Relative economic prosperity helped the overloaded state system. The federal organization of higher education seems to be a stabilizing influence, as is the political and economic breakdown in eastern Europe. (MSE)

A discussion of technology transfer describes four strategic technologies identified as important to California's economy (biotechnology, advanced materials, information technology, and manufacturing technology) and suggests that university policymakers not lose sight of their responsibility for directing university efforts to improve the human…

A discussion of contemporary conflict of interest in university research administration offers a historical perspective of the political and economic factors in "academic capitalism" and looks at current pressures. Potential conflict situations that must be addressed in institutional policy formation are outlined. (MSE)

The paper addresses changes in Australian higher education in response to governmental pressures toward a unified nationalized system. Strands of continuity are identified, as are such issues as consolidating mergers, a new binary structure, reintegrating research, and encouraging diversity. (DB)

Constitutional implications of the University of Massachusetts' establishment and termination of a legal services office, and a student challenge to its closure, are examined, focusing on the court's decision to disregard forum analysis and instead apply subsidy analysis, which almost predetermined the final holding. (MSE)

Contrasts the author's experiences teaching mathematics in Russia and as an immigrant to the United States. The author is particularly critical of the emphasis on grades and formal records in American higher education. American education is often guilty of confusing good grades or a degree with competence. (SLD)

Japanese higher education functions primarily as a filter to certify students for entry into corporations or government. Scientific inquiry and professors' ability to produce knowledge, especially in the social sciences, are severely restricted by utilitarian conceptions of higher education. Nevertheless, some individual scientists linked to…

Describes how the Open University (Great Britain) has embraced the Internet as a medium for supporting its students, tutors, academics, and administrators throughout the education process. Discusses the holistic approach to integrating technology into the teaching process, and details Internet-based systems for student registration, assignment…

In an interview, H. Patrick Swygert, president of Howard University (Washington, DC), discusses the role of historically Black colleges and universities in educating African Americans and in research, providing resources to support excellence, determining the institution's research emphasis, competition with Hispanic institutions for funding,…

A growing number of small colleges and large public universities are following the lead of private universities in seeking donations from foreign alumni. Electronic communications have facilitated the cultivation of such relationships, but face-to-face contact is still preferred. This trend comes as foreign enrollments in the United States are…

Describes an effort to institutionalize service learning within the academic departments of the University of Utah. A community service center at the university, through its faculty advisory committee, developed campus-wide support for incorporating service learning into the core offerings of 14 academic units. Models developed by the academic…

Rapid growth of non-state colleges and universities in Eastern Europe has been fueled by strong demand for education and a limited number of student places at state universities, which, until recently, had a monopoly on higher education in the region. While some institutions are shoddy profit-making ventures, others are models of innovation. (MSE)

Describes the nature and extent of Arizona State University's public service, policy research, and outreach programs, noting efforts to make university policy research findings available to the public, the trend toward broad-based multidisciplinary research, and the involvement of significant numbers of students and faculty. The need for better…