A discussion of recent movements toward reform in intercollegiate athletics concludes that college trustees must support their presidents in the reform effort, because allowing the situation to remain as it is will lead inexorably to regulation by the courts of federal government. (Author/MSE)

Guidelines for governing boards in creating policy statements on conflict of interest are offered. Issues discussed include defining conflict of interest, perceptions of such conflict, trustee responsibility, and the need for appropriate documentation. A sample policy statement and sample disclosure form for trustees and institutional officers are…

As the stewards of America's colleges and universities, trustees have a central role to play in the struggle for a more diverse and equitable educational experience for all Americans. This means encouraging better student preparation, improving racial balance on campus, broadening the curriculum, and establishing an environment for tolerance.…

Until governing boards take a more proactive stance regarding their institution's general education program, critics are likely to continue to question the quality of American higher education. Because of campus politics, it can be difficult for administrators to lead a movement toward curricular change without persistent board support.…

Foundations affiliated with public higher education institutions can avoid having to open records for public scrutiny, by having independent boards of directors, occupying leased office space or paying market value for university space, using only foundation personnel, retaining legal counsel, being forthcoming with information and use of public…

Describes the impact of an open, participatory, consensus-based planning process with faculty and staff at Parkland College in Illinois. Indicates that the planning process has been enthusiastically endorsed by both faculty and staff and has resulted in an increase in the number of full-time teaching positions and a decrease in the number of…

A college presidential search will find the best candidate if the search committee exceeds routine reference checks, conducts effective interviews, and includes visits to finalists' home campuses. The visit can cast light on such unknown factors as fund-raising potential and leadership skills. There are also disadvantages to be considered,…

Describes problems and considerations that an inside candidate (within the institution advertising the candidacy) and an outside candidate (from a different institution) must face when applying for a community college presidency. Argues that successful candidates must have a positive relationship with the trustees and a vision for leadership. (JDI)

Offers guidance to presidents and boards as they support efforts at college-community collaborations. Recommendations include formal mission statements, formally assessing partnerships, providing adequate resources, helping develop partnerships and alliances with businesses and other groups that want to help revive the city, developing a…

Seeks to clarify the concept of fiduciary responsibility in higher education. Explores who possesses fiduciary responsibility; whether it is the domain of policy makers or extends to faculty, faculty unions, and students leaders; whether it applies to only certain or to all administrators; and what the demarcation line is between duty,…

The National Assessment Governing Board (NAGB) is considering creating a National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) for world history education. On the surface, a national assessment in world history appears to be a sensible and essentially unproblematic decision. However, problems lurk below the surface challenging the creation of a…

In 1998, the Utah State Board of Regents ordered a sample administration of American College Testing's Collegiate Assessment of Academic Proficiency (CAAP), a test of general knowledge, for Utah System of Higher Education (USHE) students. The pilot test was administered to 3,148 Utah college students who were completing their sophomore year at one…

The argument of the paper proposes that learning grows out of motivation which depends upon recognising and valuing the distinctive qualities of each and the cultural traditions they embody. If learning expresses a journey between worlds, the challenge for the school is to create a learning community that brings together local and cosmopolitan in…

This document sets forth recommendations for the design of a new science assessment. The assessment resulting from this framework will start a new NAEP science trend (i.e., measure of student progress in science) beginning in 2009. This framework represents a unique opportunity to build on previous NAEP science work as well as key developments in…

This paper presents findings of a study that described and analyzed the first 5 years (1985-90) of the Spanish experience in school-based management (SBM). The Spanish experience is instructive because the country, formerly comprised of independent territories, made a swift and peaceful transition to democracy. As a means of reinforcing the…