A Victoria University of Technology (Australia) project designed to harness the interdisciplinary and collegial culture of the institution to implement Total Quality Management principles is reported. The successful project stressed the value of culture binding through transformative processes in quality improvement. (Author/MSE)

A study of 42 Eastern Michigan University freshmen, both academically at risk (n=18) and of average ability, found that at-risk students had higher academic self-concepts than their average-ability counterparts, but the groups had similar educational and vocational aspirations. (MSE)

A study investigated the relationship between learning style (visual, auditory, reading/writing, and kinesthetic) and class attendance in 74 2-year college students in their first quarter. Although no statistically significant relationships were found, the only positive correlation between attendance and learning style was among kinesthetic…

This article argues that, while college and university programming for leadership development may depend initially on the creativity of a few supporters, such programming should also be positioned in a unit within the institution that has the resources and support to nurture it over the long term. (MSE)

It is proposed that a better understanding of campus climate may be a critical element in enhancing college and university diversity. Methodological issues associated with this form of institutional research are examined, and studies undertaken at Stanford University (California), the University of California at Berkeley, and the University of…

A discussion of college faculty cultures and climates explains both conceptual notions and how institutional researchers, deans, and department heads can assess and understand them. It is proposed that this information can be useful to administrators committed to understanding, supporting, and leading the faculty of their units. (Author/MSE)

In response to the federal requirement to supply security statistics on campus crime, about 2,400 colleges and universities have reported a total of 30 murders, almost 1,000 rapes, and over 1,800 robberies. However, violent crimes were outnumbered by property crimes such as burglary (32,127) and car theft (8,981). The lack of reporting guidelines…

Colleges must take steps to create tolerant institutions welcoming and allowing equal access to all students: (1) defining terms and delineating appropriate actions; (2) providing information to those willing to learn about prejudice; (3) protecting everyone's academic freedom; (4) improving the physical and cultural campus environment; (5)…

Discusses types of indigenous higher education (i.e., independent institutions, affiliates of other universities, and integrated structures) and their distinctive qualities; e.g., commitment to community, integration of functions, sustained local leadership, spiritual harmony, use of local language, traditional ways of knowing and teaching,…

The debate about political correctness on college campuses focuses not on the goals of diversity and equity but on strategies to attain them. Underlying the debate are different assumptions about our society's nature. Synthesis is needed in alternative models of campus order and openness, curricula, and admissions and hiring policies. (MSE)

In response to an emerging anti-intellectualism on campus, Saint Lawrence University (New York) instituted an interdisciplinary first-year course built around themes of community and identity. The effort is designed to stimulate intellectual development, bring faculty and students into closer contact, and blend academics and student life. (MSE)

A mentoring program provides a nonthreatening environment in which pharmacy students, teachers, and other professionals can risk exploring application of textbook concepts while receiving guidance and encouragement. Such relationships stimulate active learning for mentor and protege. Mentoring relationships cannot be forced, but an environment for…

A discussion of academic freedom in legal education looks at the extent to which the professional, as distinguished from the purely academic, functions of law schools challenge traditional assumptions about academic freedom and institutional political neutrality. The issues of institutional diversity and specialization are also addressed. (MSE)

Using the college Classroom Environment Scales and controlling for differences in class size, a study found significant differences in college students' perceptions of their classroom social climates depending on institution type and academic discipline and that perceptions of environment differentially affected students' grades in each discipline…

Examines the implications of the exercise of academic freedom as well as potential threats to it. Considers administrative problems, reasonableness of standards, grading practices, and relevance of course content as well as scholarship. (KEH)