The study examined the prediction of group membership of 40 learning disabled and 40 normal children (mean age 11.2 years for both groups) on the basis of preference for laterality of the children and of their parents. (Author/PHR)

Information on negotiations concerning the American Association of University Women's (AAUW) participation in the International Federation of University Women (IFUW) is updated. Recent joint recommendations proffered to the IFUW by the AAUW in unison with the Council of the Canadian Federation of University Women are presented. (JMD)

The American Vocational Association (AVA) has not yet "maximized" its support of student organizations, according to Victor Van Hook and officials from six student organizations who spoke to the second general session of the AVA convention. Despite their recognized value in activating students, vocational youth groups are reaching only a…

Doctoral students often select one of four common research methodologies that are popular in the social sciences and education today: positivist; interpretive; ideological; and pragmatic. But choice of methodology also influences the student's choice of course work, membership of dissertation committee, and the form and structure of the…

Guidelines for the process of searching for a new college president are offered, including a number of recommendations concerning the search committee (composition, leadership, selection, size, and responsibility), factors in the search process (use of consultants, confidentiality, institutional analysis, and leadership criteria), sources of…

Argues that small-group mutual aid organizations are successful voluntary associations that attract members even in our individualistic and commodity-driven culture because they provide valuable collective benefits that can only be enjoyed in common. Small groups as a source of social capital have implications for the study of helping…

A series of tests and interviews with 45 Hispanic first year students at 2 Ivy League universities was conducted to examine the relationship between ethnic identity and self-esteem. A strong Hispanic identity acted as a buffer to perceived threat, particularly for men. (DM)

Placed college students (N=157) in all-female, all-male, or mixed-gender groups. With experimenter present, subjects evaluated article written by job applicant. Mixed-gender group members generally evaluated female applicant more favorably in presence of female rather than male experimenter, and rated female applicant more favorably than male…

The experiences of several colleges and universities in expanding, streamlining, and enhancing alumni association regional programs are presented. Issues discussed include event attendance, offering services efficiently, conducting focus groups, designing events and selecting speakers, and communicating with leaders and members. (MSE)

Survey of 2,362 members of the International Association of Women found that most members came from the traditional business-oriented upper middle class and politically moderate upper class. Members saw child welfare and health, education, substance abuse, adolescent issues, economic well-being, and environment as most important issues, but…

A survey of 110 private colleges and universities elicited information about the traits presidents regarded as ideal in members of a strategic planning team. The profiles drawn closely match those of "early adopters," a personality type found effective in facilitating acceptance of innovation in nonacademic settings. (MSE)

The senate of the University of Maryland at College Park includes representatives of the entire campus community. The involvement of all constituencies is useful: decisions and policies made result from full information and discussion; there are no decision surprises; and there is strong administrative commitment to act on policies adopted. (MSE)

Confusion over American Historical Association policy on the composition of conference sessions, as illustrated in a recent incident over a panel's membership, reflects common concern in scholarly circles over women scholars' participation and representation in discussion. At issue are quotas vs. affirmative action principles. (MSE)

The use of focus groups to assess existing college student leadership efforts and as a step in developing better programs is examined. Procedures include assembling a planning team, identifying information needs, determining the composition of focus groups, soliciting and training volunteers, and using focus group results to design a program. (MSE)

The Program for Organizational Interdisciplinary Self-Education teaches group self-education skills such as team development, management, and maintenance. Training includes defining and negotiating team member roles, case study approach, group simulations, and problem solving. (SK)