The presence of academically underprepared students at Vassar College from 1865 to 1890 and at Cornell University from 1868 to 1890 was a source of controversy in both institutions. Vassar took on the burden of providing for comprehensive preparatory education for academically-deficient students within the context of the college. Cornell, although…

The construct validity of scholarly productivity was investigated, with attention to definitions and measurement approaches. A nonrepresentative sample of 51 schools of education was selected to include very productive schools. Measures were made of the following variables: citations, rankings from previous studies, publications, conference…

To determine whether the current concentration of funding awards to faculty at top ranked institutions is justifiable, the individual characteristics of faculty and productivity characteristics were analyzed by institutional type. Based on American Council on Education 1972-1973 data, a stratified sample of 2,530 faculty who held Ph.D.s and were…

The essays in this collection argue that community colleges have much to gain by seeking out and maintaining positive recognition of the features that distinguish them from other colleges in the region and state. In addition, the sourcebook contains articles discussing the process of conducting a search for institutional distinctiveness and ways…

Active research can be one area of enrichment in which counselors may gain personal growth, self-discipline, and personal development. The developer of the research project also gains in knowledge and practice in the specific areas of information retrieval systems. The counselor becomes aware of the methodology used in the preparation of a…

Principals and other educators fear litigation over defamation. Defamation means an injury to character or reputation by false, malicious statements, whether by printed words (libel) or by spoken words (slander). To constitute defamation, the words must be actionable, defamatory, refer to the plaintiff, and be communicated to others. If the words…

The study identifies specific financial indicators for higher education, indicates the recommended source of data, and suggests a survey for the Higher Education Panel that could be used to supplement the data. The use of the indicators is explored and it is explained that the indicators allow the grouping of institutions for comparative analysis.…

All of the major academic quality rankings of American Ph.D.-granting geography departments during 1925-80 are examined, and trends in the universities and regions in which the best Ph.D.-granting geography departments have been located are analyzed. Seven major ratings of geography departments are considered. Reputational rankings were conducted…

Stanford University's unique combination of high academic standards and successful, broad-based intercollegiate athletics provides a model for other institutions, and it is working hard to continue to attract smart, talented athletes. (MSE)

Four books published about Harvard University that evoke clear images of what many people call the greatest institution of higher education in America are discussed. Two of the books congratulate, while two debunk. (MLW)

Previous college department rankings based on the evaluations of others in the field are examined for their weaknesses, and the requirements of an adequate institutional ranking system are discussed. (MSE)

Conflicts arising when a new university, the Roskilde University Centre, is exposed to many different expectations are described. The impact of confrontations between the university and politicians on university activities and actions taken by university members to counteract the unfavorable public image are discussed. (MSE)

Recounts problems facing community college arts programs. Considers college reputation and image essential to student recruitment. Focuses on Mercer County Community College's approach to arts programing, which stresses high-quality productions emphasizing community involvement, integrated services to campus constituencies, aggressive marketing,…

Three analyses were used to determine "core" journals in the field of higher education: frequency of publishing higher education focused articles, frequency of citation to key works in higher education, and journal rankings by higher education professionals. Little correspondence is found among the results of the three strategies. (Author/MSE)

A study on the objective correlates of undergraduate quality ratings, state or regional biases, and other methodological issues relating to reputational ratings of undergraduate quality is reported. The subjective judgments of departmental quality made by college and university faculty were studied. Reputational ratings appear to be redundant with…