Presents a peer training model illustrating how a campus can involve its students, faculty, and administrators in effective prejudice-reducing strategies. Presents the operational assumptions governing the National Coalition-Building Institute's training programs, the theory and methodology of its prejudice reduction model, and a process for…

Author Margaret Wheatley discusses her theory that life and work are self-organizing and that organizations must be approached as dynamic, living systems. The interview focuses on how the theory applies to higher education institutions, university leadership, physical proximity in learning, development of communities of practice, attitudes toward…

Examines the organized contradictions linked to the simultaneous bureaucratization and professionalization of academe that restrict excellence in undergraduate instruction. Presents a general systems model that points out the need for a coordinated set of changes which, if institutionalized, could lead to an academic revolution. Responses by Lee…

Reviews the literature on library acquisitions allocations and the lack of agreement on effective policies. Discussion focuses on a process developed at Western Washington University, which combines mathematical formulations of equity with the reality of campus politics, while protecting collection integrity. (44 references) (Author/CLB)

A survey of 17,592 college students on 140 campuses indicates considerable alcohol abuse, which is adversely affecting the social and academic environment for nonabusers. Results also show variation by region, student age, and institution. The study suggested that students' drinking was not affected by differences in school policies. Some schools…

A survey of staff, faculty, students, and administrators at one southern university investigated attitudes concerning introduction of an intercultural awareness program in student affairs. Widespread support for the program was found, with most pointing to the college president as having a primary leadership role. (MSE)

A brief questionnaire designed to help colleges and universities assess their crisis readiness is presented. Questions address such issues as written procedures, response team composition, campus information dissemination and media relations, and community relations. Ten items every college crisis plan should include are listed. (MSE)

Twelve suggestions are made for college administrators to make good use of computer technology in individual, faculty-related, campuswide, and external realms. Suggestions include using computer potential in faculty development and motivation, institutional planning and administration, campus communications, public relations, and fund raising.…

A study investigated the cost effectiveness of a Seton Hall University (New Jersey) freshman studies program designed to improve retention, stabilize enrollments, and enrich campus life. Data were analyzed from short- and long-term perspectives. Results indicate that, despite increasing costs, the program is a cost-effective approach to student…

A study of stress among 786 faculty at a land-grant university found differences in stress levels among discipline groups and higher stress reported by women than by men. The findings are discussed, and several proposals are made for individual faculty members, department heads, and academic administrators for addressing the problems of workplace…

Whatever forms they take, colleges of the 21st century must incorporate the educational fundamentals that underlie traditional residential institutions. Key ingredients of these educationally powerful environments include clear purposes, maximization of human interaction, pedagogies for active learning, recognition of individual differences,…

In a study of college students' experiences at a public, four-year comprehensive university, 10 students took photographs representative of their impressions of the university and discussed the underlying themes of the photographs in focus-group interviews. Several primary themes emerged, including perceptions about the physical environment,…

A qualitative study of contemporary problems and issues encountered by college students with disabilities used a nominal group process to incorporate student perspectives into the assessment. Critical issues and suggested solutions were identified in six categories: physical/sensory access; service provision; information access; social inclusion;…

A study of college student persistence decisions found college experiences, academic achievement, and environmental pull factors contributed most to persistence decisions, with differential effects for gender and ethnic groups. No precollege factors were significant. For minorities the strongest factors in dropping out were family responsibilities…

Abuse of medical students is discussed, based on recent national surveys and focusing on the most common forms, belittling and humiliation, which appear to be misguided efforts to reinforce learning. It is argued that use of such aversive methods is likely to foster insensitive and punitive behaviors, passed from teacher to learner and potentially…