The increasing intrusion of the federal government in institutional affairs and accountability make audits of higher education institutions inevitable. Some suggestions on how to be prepared for an audit are provided. Suggestions include familiarization with regulations, current indirect cost rate, and current rate for benefits negotiated with…

Federal guidelines are detailed and specific as to what data are needed for full-cost accounting by school districts participating in federally funded school food service programs. (Author/MLF)

The author discusses four counseling areas in which the secondary school counselor will be highly involved with handicapped students: academic advising; counseling for postsecondary education; career or vocational guidance; and counseling for athletics, recreation, and clubs. Under each heading, both legal concerns about discrimination and…

Neglect and ignorance have resulted in careless dumping of harmful pollutants. Congressman Robert W. Edgar describes the problem and some solutions. (Author)

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that a public school operate each service, program, or activity, when viewed in its entirety, as readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities. A public school is not required to make its existing facilities totally accessible where other methods are effective in achieving…

Those responsible for planning and management of colleges and universities must plan comprehensively for hazardous waste disposal. Federal and state regulations are increasing, landfill area is becoming scarce, and incineration costs are rising fast. High-level institutional commitment to a sound campus environment policy is essential. (MSE)

Federal regulations governing receipts from fund-raising events at colleges and universities are summarized, including rules concerning tax deductions for raffle tickets, how and when to acknowledge donor gifts (cash or non-cash), and disclosure of fair market value. (MSE)

It is noted that federal deregulation of the electrical utility industry will allow colleges and universities to buy electrical services from suppliers who provide the best reliability and cost combination. Considerations are examined for the following options: purchasing an existing electrical substation, building a new substation, using on-site…

Two decades of affirmative action have not substantially altered the percentage of women and minorities in higher education faculty and professional ranks. Although continued attention to affirmative action is important, institutions should not let their guidelines channel and truncate the screening process so as to overlook stronger candidates.…

Campus chief executive officers are encouraged to become involved in the federal regulatory process, because regulations can be more significant to the affected parties than the laws that engendered them; thus, the regulatory drafting process offers another opportunity to offer guidance and to persuade. (DB)

Planning for and implementing the Financial Accounting and Standards Board's Statement of Financial Accounting Standards for nonpension retirement benefits gives colleges and universities an opportunity to assess and revise their retiree health benefit plans. However, assessment of the current plan, objectives of changes, projected impact, and…

The reasonable accommodation requirements of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 have recently been applied to public schools. Among the rulings were the provision of a sign language interpreter to hearing-impaired parents and the allowance of a service dog onto a school campus. (MLF)

A discussion of federal policy on research integrity and scientific misconduct chronicles the history of federal involvement in accountability in the scientific community, forms of intervention, determination of the boundaries of misconduct, and the rights of whistle blowers. Official definitions and standards are presented. (MSE)

Colleges and universities are generally subject to new penalty excise taxes under the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) code on charitable and educational organizations. The law and proposed regulations are explained, with specific attention to how the rules apply to colleges and universities and how these institutions can best protect themselves…

As schools increasingly take advantage of sophisticated technologies to enhance education, their need to understand basic copyright law becomes more urgent. This reference guide reviews the historical development of copyright, examines basic components, and analyzes exceptions to copyright owners' rights. Also covered are key areas such as…