Recent court cases on sexual harassment, and the outcomes, were reviewed in terms of how the court viewed a "reasonable" woman. Rulings in such cases can vary because of different interpretations of the "reasonable" concept. Also discusses how recent rulings will affect sexual harassment policymakers in the workplace and educational institutions.…

A survey of 32 college students of color, faculty, and staff involved in related support groups found that the overall university climate remains unwelcoming despite programs to enhance their experience. It is concluded that there is a need to address the level of underlying belief structures of the university culture. (Author/MSE)

Describes the rise in esteem of Harvard's black studies program resulting from and starting with the appointment of Henry Louis Gates, Jr., as the department's chair. The paper examines the beginnings of the Harvard program in the late 1960s, the faculty resistance, and Gate's actions in revitalizing the department. (GR)

Increased availability and use of computers and computer networks in higher education are raising issues that must be addressed on campuses. A Bill of Rights and Responsibilities for Electronic Learners is proposed, outlining rights and responsibilities of both individuals and institutions, as a starting point for discussion. (MSE)

Academic freedom should protect faculty comments about tenure policy and decisions, faculty role in institutional governance, curriculum, academic standards, and issues influencing a professor's ability to teach and conduct research. Comments about working conditions and administrative practices unrelated to these professional functions should not…

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)