Examines relationships which exist internationally between contexts, methods, and impact on institutions of external quality assessments in higher education. Argues that debates about quality assessment are frequently debates about power and change. Case studies of the University of Aalborg (Denmark), Uppsala University (Sweden), and Monash…

The University of California, Berkeley addressed the high demand for computer network access and the need for off-campus Internet access by developing and distributing a comprehensive software and service package for open access and by establishing a partnership with a commercial Internet service provider to gain pricing advantage and…

A survey of 32 department heads at Rhodes University (South Africa) found that in just over half the departments, students were given the opportunity to evaluate course content and presentation, and department heads were favorably disposed toward the system. Two issues deemed important in institutionalization of course evaluation were methods for…

Discussion of the evaluation and ranking of degree programs of library and information science at ALA (American Library Association) accredited schools focuses on a study of faculty authorship in "Library Literature" as a measure of productivity. Doctoral programs, Association of Research Libraries affiliation, and Carnegie I research…

Identifies basic concepts of a networked digital library and the effects on traditional information service and formats. Describes selected projects in information automation and delivery. Highlights research projects at six universities concerned with digitizing information to be made available via communication networks. Discusses the role of…

This study analyzed the undergraduate physical education (PE) teacher education certification requirements within institutions offering doctoral degrees in PE. Researchers examined curricular materials from 29 institutions (course requirements, credit hours, and program purpose) and determined that there were more similarities than differences…

When a state legislator requested that the president of Southwest Missouri State University stop production of a drama department production about Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), the administrator refused to accede to pressure and enlisted and won the board's support. (MSE)

The survey of University of Bergen (Norway) teaching staff (N=601) found the leading reason for intending to leave the institution was collegial relations. Other reasons predicting intention to leave were in the area of general job satisfaction with staff who found their work less intrinsically satisfying more likely to plan on leaving.…

This study explored the perceptions of faculty at a large urban university concerning (1) personal and college rewards for job responsibilities, and (2) which programs and incentives to enhance teaching effectiveness would be most attractive to them. The top rated options were institutional recognition of teaching excellence. (Author/MLW)

Four books are reviewed including: "Fostering Minority Access and Achievement in Higher Education" (a Ford Foundation study by Richard Richardson and Lewis Bender); "In Pursuit of Equality in Higher Education" (Anne Pruitt); "Latino College Students" (Michael Olivas); and "Toward Undergraduate Student Quality in…

Discusses the need for community and technical colleges to act as active transfer agents providing access to rapidly changing technological information for rural businesses and their workers. Identifies common barriers to cooperation between research universities and industry, and offers advice on surmounting them. (SV)

Discusses worldwide economic competitiveness and the need for increased numbers of science and engineering students to keep up with advancing technologies that influence economic strategies. Highlights include the relationship between research and graduate education; academic research funding; graduate, undergraduate, and precollege education; and…

Discusses the issue of industry-sponsored research at universities. Gives a case showing the current state of the issue. Describes many other examples including government and foreign industry sponsored research. (YP)

Describes how the Free University of Berlin (West Germany) has become more open to the public. The Free University has strengthened its cooperation with private companies in research and funding, promoted internal research, and increased its accelerated and continuing education programs in order to improve its image. (LS)

Reports that the space agency provides universities with resources to invigorate and increase the effectiveness of space-related engineering research and education. Lists selected University Space Engineering Research Centers with a description of their concept, a program schedule, information and address for submitting future proposals for a…