Higher education must arrive at some fresh convictions to restore integrity to the baccalaureate degree. Assumptions about the degree's meaning should be made explicit in both the curriculum and extracurricular activities. The objectives of the Association of American College's Project on the Meaning and Purpose of Baccalaureate Degrees are…

The premise of "A Quest for Common Learning," which questioned the value of distribution requirements in 95 percent of U.S. colleges, is challenged. It is suggested that the varied academic disciplines demonstrate the pursuit of truth, and general education must immerse the student in a number of disciplines. (MLW)

The debate over the nature and form of general education is discussed. The Project on General Education Models, which surveyed colleges and universities that had taken concrete steps to review or revise their general education programs, is described. Some new programs are outlined. (MLW)

The practice of awarding honorary degrees by American colleges and universities is examined. Topics include the background of the practice, schools that refuse to participate, the selection process used by some institutions, possible financial and other reasons for granting honorary degrees, and benefits gained by those honored. (JMD)

The history of undergraduate teaching in the United States is discussed in an attempt to determine whether the curriculum is now in a period of crisis. The most crucial ingredient in the excellence of higher education may be the admissions policies and the quality of the faculty teaching available courses. (MLW)

The quest for the powers and skills of informed judgment, for the dual capacities of appreciation and criticism should stand as the goal of every level of the college curriculum. The fundamentals of a college education are seen as decisions between interpretations and the skill of understanding interpretations. (MLW)

The Council on Learning's national conference of a representative segment of academic leadership held a discussion to elicit comments on the Council's Education and World View project. Internationalization of courses, language requirements, multicultural education, community colleges, teacher education, and undergraduate education are discussed.…