The Republic of China has based its economic and cultural progress on a strong national education program stressing quality. AGB visitors to Taiwanese universities noted Spartan surroundings, well-equipped libraries and labs, and students intent on learning. (Author/MLW)

A study assessed effects of gender and status on the tolerance of college freshmen (N=377) and faculty (N=83) for gender-based humor, and attitudes toward the humor's acceptability in the classroom, social gatherings, and family parties. Results indicated tolerance ratings were determined by gender, status, and their interactions. Implications are…

Examines ethnic climate and relationships among ethnic groups at five colleges. Data indicate that White and Latino students were the most comfortable interacting with other ethnic groups, whereas Asian students were the least comfortable. White students viewed the interracial climate positively, whereas Black students described their campuses as…

A new climate of racism on college and university campuses is seen as mirroring dominant patterns in society as a whole, which in turn reflects frustration, confusion, and anger over pervasive economic difficulties. Suggestions for campus response that is transformative rather than reactive are offered, including study of cultural identity through…

Issues that college administrators must address in forming policy about publications to be distributed on campus are considered, and the important parties and their interests are identified. Constitutional and practical problems created by restrictions on distribution are also examined. Finally, newspaper theft, a recently emerging campus problem,…

Using a model of undergraduate student socialization, a study investigated how the college environment and student interactions with peers and faculty influence their political orientation. Results indicate that these influences tend to be of equal magnitude and that students tend to change in the direction of institutional norms. (Author/MSE)

Reviews ethical implications of administrative decisions. Presents several cases to illustrate the potential conflict between the political (doing things right) and the ethical (doing the right thing). Presents a model that helps the administrator identify the extent to which administrative dilemmas impinge on moral considerations. (KW)

Applicants to highly selective private colleges are down substantially nationwide. Flagship public universities are experiencing a drop in minority applicants, particularly in Texas and California, where use of race as a factor in admissions has been under attack. It is suggested that parents of minority students perceive the institutions are not…

A total of 160 Asian Americans completed a series of standardized instruments assessing their environmental, social, and psychological experiences as undergraduates. Overall, social support variables were the strongest predictors of academic persistence. Research-derived implications for university personnel and professional counselors are…

The significance of cultural diversity to the educational process has been recognized since the mid-19th century, and is reflected in the philosophies of presidents of Harvard University (Massachusetts). Current issues in diversity on campus should be viewed in this long-term perspective, with appreciation for the time it takes to effect real…

Examines the nature and characteristics of the phenomenon of retrenchment in universities and systems since the late 1970s. Five categories of financial reduction are identified, giving special attention to the situation of financial reduction coupled with increased demand and to approaches characterized by restructuring. Discusses consequences…

Uses autobiographical narratives by authors and student collaborators to construct a criticism of retention programs and these programs' promotion of institutional racism. Examines historical deculturization, the objectification of students of color, and the power-knowledge nexus. Concludes with suggestions for establishing the credibility of…

Study of 18 four-year colleges found that joining a fraternity during the first year of college has significant negative impact on four cognitive outcomes: reading comprehension, mathematics, critical thinking, and composite achievement. Joining a sorority in the first year negatively influenced reading comprehension and composite achievement.…

Compares the self-reported cheating behaviors of fraternity and non-fraternity members and the relation between student cheating and the overall level of greek membership on campus. Fraternity and sorority members cheat more than non-members but cheating would not change dramatically if fraternities or sororities did not exist on campus. (RJM)

Examines the historical role of aesthetics in higher education and student affairs. Argues that aesthetic perception provides an alternative way of thinking about student development, cultural diversity, and the assessment of programs. Such values can add passion and vision to student affairs leadership and enable individuals to develop emotional…