The role of the theologian in Catholic colleges and universities is among several topics addressed in 11 articles. Some authors describe how they carry out the Catholic mission in higher education, while others focus on the historical background for the attempt by the Congregation for Catholic Education to describe and mandate a universal and "ideal" Catholic university. Issues of academic freedom and institutional autonomy are addressed. In addition to an introduction by the executive director of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities, Alice Gallin, titles and authors are as follows: "The Catholic Church and Her Universities: A View from History" (John Tracy Ellis); "Some Aspects of Catholic Higher Education since Vatican II" (Ann Ida Gannon); "How Bishops and Theologians Relate" (James W. Malone); "A Catholic University: Some Clarifications" (Rembert G. Weakland); "Academic Freedom and the Catholic College/University" (A. Gallin); "The Usages of Freedom" (Timothy S. Healy); "The Mission of the College of Saint Benedict: Its Catholic Character" (Colman O'Connell); "Saint Michael's College: Its Catholic Character and Academic Freedom" (Paul J. Reiss); "Dissent in Catholic Universities" (William J. Rewak); "Beyond 'Dissent' and 'Academic Freedom'" (David B. Burrell); and "The Response Catholics Owe to Non-Infallible Teachings" (James L. Heft). (SW)