The U.S. public has an intense, contradictory attitude toward higher education. On one hand, they expect universities to be "relevant," and on the other hand, they like them to offer "reflective" environments. A formerly little-acknowledged world, academe is suddenly on perpetual display. However, there are indications that it is reclaiming its…

Higher education has much potential for developing a sense of community and for modeling community behavior and leadership. However, it will not be accomplished by top-down leadership with a fixed vision and focus on ends rather than means. It will require leadership that embodies 10 basic principles of community. (MSE)

If higher education is to fulfill its leadership role in education, it must elevate the status of teaching to one that is coexistent and complementary to research, while also addressing financial and political pressures. This will require changes in the prevailing culture of higher education both within and among institutions. (MSE)

Conducted study of college student satisfaction at small women's college. Findings from 137 students revealed that students in 1987 generally were more satisfied with the college than were students in 1983. The findings suggest that changes in the campus environment can affect the level of student satisfaction. (NB)

Discusses difficulties in effecting change in campus climates and describes Portland (Oregon) State University's (PSU) efforts to combat sexual harassment, and the creation of the PSU Sexual Harassment Resource Network. Defines sexual harassment and explains the response to the Resource Network's prevention strategies. (NB)

Discusses how human influence can enhance the learning environment in the college classroom and overall learning community. It explains that all persons connected to an educational institution think of themselves as members of the learning community and describes the roles each group can play in creating and maintaining high standards in their…

Colleges and universities are responsible for providing a safe environment for members of the campus community. This article describes problems that can arise in dealing with nonstudents who potentially create safety problems on campus. (Author)

College leaders are cracking down on illegal and destructive behavior by fraternities and other campus groups. In establishing and implementing policy, trustees and presidents should collect data on how Greek life affects education, focus on campus physical conditions, reward appropriate behavior and punish destructive behavior, encourage student…

Reviews the approaches of three commentators--a philosopher and academic administrator, a student affairs administrator and lawyer, and a law professor--concerning the changing nature of institution-student relationships, discussing their shortcomings and common themes along with implications for practice. (Contains 17 references.) (Author/GCP)

Examines the creation of small communities as a way of enhancing the educational experience of students at large institutions. Survey data does not support the common assumption that small-scale social environments are more conducive to positive community life than large-scale social environments. (Contains 29 references.) (Author/GCP)

An environmental scan conducted at Colorado State University assessed how college units welcome diverse students. Ways to make the physical space more inclusive were developed. (JOW)

Interviewed California university leaders about the issues and factors involved in joint doctoral programs among the state's institutions. Found issues within four major categories: university missions, university cultures, faculty interest and collaboration, and university resources. (EV)

Asserting that college administrators can take a proactive role when dealing with hate, discusses ways that they can prevent hate from spreading. Addresses: bigotry and intergroup strife, motivation behind acts of hate, alcohol and hate's correlation, free speech and university speech codes, possible responses to specific acts, and short-,…

Continues a discussion from the January 2001 issue on community building in college unions and on college campuses, exploring what college union staffs can do to develop unity and community while still recognizing differences. Provides a list of suggested community-building activities. (EV)

Originally published in July 1989, uses meta-analysis to integrate and summarize the empirical research from 1966 through 1987 regarding the influence of college residence halls on the academic performance of undergraduate students in the United States. Results indicate that residence halls do not generally exert a major influence on students'…