Controversies and divisive issues on college campuses require swift action from public relations personnel. Although the issues may change, the basic coping strategy focuses on preserving a sense of community both on campus and among alumni, friends, and supporters. When polarization occurs it can be used as a source of communication and…

Described is how an amateur weather observer measures and records temperature and precipitation at a well-equipped, backyard weather station. Directions for building an instrument shelter and a description of the instruments needed for measuring temperature and precipitation are included. (KR)

Mysteries of the biological past that paleontologists are trying to solve are discussed. Topics include first seeds, fossils and computers, packrat middens, charcoal clues, soft parts, Burgess shale, halkieriids, toe count, whales with feet, long necks, and changing functions. (KR)

A discussion of the dental school administrator's mentoring role looks specifically at the administrator's responsibility in creating an environment fostering faculty growth and productivity. The mentoring administrator is a central, integral, and positive force within the department and school, using teaching, facilitating, and coaching rather…

Activities at Hunter College of the City University of New York to deal creatively and democratically with hate crimes on campus are reported including establishment of a Diversity Commission and heavy commitment of trustees and college president. (DB)

Discusses the dissemination of information, particularly relating to knowledge about public policy. Topics addressed include programs in government agencies to disseminate information; dissemination and knowledge utilization; transferring knowledge and information; knowledge and decision making; the amount of knowledge available; inattention and…

Review of six studies of managers showed that much learning resulted from such factors as challenging job assignments, peer/supervisor relationships, community learning, family upbringing, life experiences, and organizational environment. Viewing humans merely as resources for economic development and ignoring this informal learning are neither…

This article suggests principles that are fundamental to efficient organizational change and attainment of a shared vision of the institution. The principles were developed during analysis of organizational culture at a public state university. Twelve principles addressing imperatives for change and eight principles underlying the attainment of…

Reviews research into climatic conditions that affect human physical, emotional, and cognitive performance. Argues that Australian educational research and policy have ignored potential adverse influence of thermal conditions on school outcomes. Educational research and policy should account for climatic factors, especially the interactions among…

This article, third in a three-part series of articles that discuss indoor air quality (IAQ) issues affecting schools, looks at studies that compare the health effect of carpet and hard surface floors. Concludes that carpet is appropriate for use in schools when it is properly maintained. (MLF)

Defines organizational development as a top-management-supported, organization-wide, long-range, planned process by which human resources are identified, used, and developed in ways that strengthen organizational efficiency and effectiveness. Discusses the need for organizational career development in technical community colleges. (Author/JOW)

Douglas and McCauley report on a survey of 246 managers about the management-development strategies used in their organizations. Results show that initiatives include mentoring, apprenticeships, coaching, and action learning. Bierema's reaction concurs in the need to widen the definition of relationships but suggests that methodological issues…

Focus groups with 23 public-administration faculty and practitioners identified the different interactions and experiences of men and women that perpetuate resistance to equal opportunities in the workplace. A communication model was developed that is useful for diagnostics and intervention in organizations trying to improve workplace relations.…

A range of work-related training and education opportunities is being offered by employers and federal sources to meet the demand for continuous learning. They include one-stop career centers, Hope scholarships, lifetime learning credit, Pell grants, student loans, exclusion for employer-provided educational assistance, and America's Learning…

A literature review identified principles for supporting innovation and creativity in organizations: integrated approach, the right climate, and appropriate incentives. Staff development should focus on such skills as teamwork, communication, vision, change management, and leadership. Internet and intranet communications are beginning to be…