Individuals tend to avoid situations they perceive as risky, but positive risk-taking experiences allow people to continue seeking challenge and growth. Campus activities programing may involve risk taking or leadership in group risk taking, either in the activities themselves or in program planning. Leaders must relate risks to group goals to…

Investigates whether participation on high school newspaper or yearbook staffs leads to higher grades in freshman college English and a higher overall freshman grade point average. Finds that such out-of-class accomplishments are not good predictors of college outcomes. Finds the ACT composite score to be a good predictor of first collegiate…

A campus atmosphere of cultural pluralism in which individual minority groups can maintain a sense of identity and uniqueness while acknowledging and building on shared experiences and values can empower all members of the college community. Student activities policies and procedures reconsidered in this light can lower barriers. (Author/MSE)

Examined values and attitudes of Greek and Independent students at large university to determine whether there are any differences between them. Findings from 904 college students revealed that Greeks differed from Independents on several key intellectual value and attitude measures, as well as in socioeconomic status, choice of college major, and…

College traditions and their role in student development is discussed. Ceremonies reflect the community of people who are involved in their creation and perpetuation. Ceremony's role in student development is described. (MLW)

Discusses the Early Adolescent Helper program, which was designed to provide a safe and positive after-school environment for young people. In this program, 10- to 15-year-olds serve in day care, Head Start, latchkey programs, and at senior centers. (RJC)

The extent to which college and universities can be held liable for student injuries during extracurricular activities is discussed based on negligence claims. Court reluctance to impose liability on institutions and the underlying policy considerations are examined. (MSE)

The development and organization of a Thanksgiving dinner for Rockland Community College's population of foreign students is described. Lessons learned from the successful experience are outlined. (MSE)

Summarizes a study to determine the importance that 77 east Texas middle school principals accorded middle school concepts and to discover degree of concepts' implementation. Survey respondents considered the majority of 30 middle school characteristics important. There were considerable gaps between perceived importance and actual implementation…

Maintains that while extracurricular sponsorship is psychologically draining, advising yearbooks and drama rekindle the spirit and feed the malnourished soul. Reviews specific benefits of extracurricular activities to the sponsoring teacher. Offers a brief look at the future of sponsorship and extracurricular activities. (TB)

Synthesizes educational research about learning in interactive science and technology centers, museums, aquaria, and zoos, and distills from it guidelines for science teachers to ensure that class visits enhance the learning for their students. Topics covered include visitor behavior, interacting with exhibits, visit structure, social context,…

The responses of several college student activities programs to crises on campus (violence, civil unrest, and earthquake) are described. In each case, professionals responsible highlighted the importance of having a proactive emergency plan in place and rehearsed. Flexibility and clear thinking are also crucial ingredients. (MSE)

Preparation for college campus crises (natural disasters, violence or unrest) is discussed. Specific suggestions are made for three distinct areas of readiness: (1) response to the situation; (2) response to the students; and (3) personal response. (MSE)

Steps that heterosexuals can take to create an environment tolerant of gay, lesbian, and bisexual individuals are outlined. Discussion includes information about the gay/lesbian/bisexual community, activism, homophobic and positive attitudes, and the role of a heterosexual "ally." Institutional and print sources for additional information are…

Selection of campus speakers on sexuality is discussed, including assessment of speaker qualifications, the importance of teaching style and tone, choice of subject, program design for a meaningful event, and the sensitivity of both the speaker and the institution. (MSE)