The ethos of a college or university is a belief system widely shared by faculty, students, administrators, and others. Colleges with an ethos of learning share three themes: (1) a holistic institutional philosophy of learning; (2) an involving campus culture; and (3) a climate encouraging free expression. A learning ethos must be cultivated…

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…

At a commemorative ceremony, the 1970 shooting death of two individuals at Jackson State College (MS) was remembered by an alumnus who was present. The role of local police and National Guardsmen in the occurrence has never been resolved, and some feel it has been ignored because of racial bias. (MSE)

Research indicates that colleges and universities that encourage hiring of diverse faculty and staff, promote diversity as an educational excellence issue, and reward faculty and staff for their efforts to foster diversity are institutions that have integrated diversity and quality issues. A comprehensive institutional approach to diversity is…

This article theorizes that white college faculty are relatively uninvolved in institutional responses to racial diversity because of ambivalence, and that behavioral responses will thus be unstable and dependent on institutional context that either arouse or regulate positive and negative affect. Implications for institutional interventions are…

Reviews the contributions that academic deans can make to community colleges' scholarly endeavors (e.g., developing the college's intellectual climate, supporting professional development opportunities, fostering student scholarship, and undertaking his/her own scholarly activities). (DMM)

The relatively recent advent of racial diversity to Christian College Coalition institutions has precipitated crises on campuses. Many African-American students are disappointed on arrival, and observers are finding the college environments inconsistent with church ideals. Efforts within the coalition to heal rifts and improve campus climate are…

Although diversity of college students may be desirable, the mix of widely differing characteristics, needs, and attendance patterns makes it very difficult to create community and strong peer group relations. When colleges create conditions for strong student bonds and involvement, they may contribute to higher retention. (MSE)

College leaders can be symbols of moral unity for their institutions. The leader must have a vision of the institution's ethical life, then be able to create and sustain it in the campus community. Strategic planning can help resolve conflicts constructively, based on values expressed in the mission statement. (MSE)

Effective leadership in the community college demonstrates good principles of teaching, fosters leadership in others, manages change effectively and efficiently, and creates community; good community college leaders possess the characteristics of master teachers, mentors, agents for change, and community builders. (MSE)

At Southern Methodist University, traditionally considered an exclusive college, minority enrollment is at an all-time high and efforts have been made to create services and activities to accommodate African Americans. Administrative commitment is clear. However, problems persist in creating a welcoming community for students and faculty. (MSE)

Responding to diminished public esteem means intensifying efforts to create an ethical college climate. Educators face these ethical challenges: managing institutions ethically; teaching ethics to students, both in class and in dealing with student behavior in an educational setting; and serving as ethical leaders for the wider community. (MSE)

Challenges for college students in the military include becoming socialized, identifying with the institution, learning to cope with both military and educational demands, and planning for another career. To succeed in serving this population well, institutions must address all these needs. (MSE)

Survey of undergraduate women (n=659) indicated questioning of previously held stereotypical views about gender and dawning awareness of alternative perspectives and active rejection of male supremacist values and beliefs and search for a positive self-affirming definition of womanhood attitudes were inversely related to perceptions of…

It is argued that higher education institutions can play a major role in health care reform by providing campus cultures that foster healthy lifestyle choices and in turn reduce medical costs. Specific issues discussed include elimination of unnecessary tests, focus on special high-risk populations, and use of advance directives. (MSE)