The University of Akron, a major urban university, has experienced unusually high attrition rates for students enrolled in the two largest colleges. The university has attempted to meet this problem by committee recommendations and questionnaire/demographic data gathering and analysis, which has resulted in some success. (Author/RC)

A report by the American Association of Community and Junior Colleges predicts a skill shortage, born of the mismatch between the needs of the labor market and the profile of the labor pool. A plan to enhance the future of minority students in higher education is outlined. (MLW)

Leaders of urban public universities and many state legislators are challenging the high status of states'"flagship" institutions, saying local institutions can serve local needs best, and are unwilling to defer to premier research universities in requests for general support and new programs. (MSE)

Describes a model program designed to improve high school students' preparation for college. The Marshall Plan, developed by the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Milwaukee Public Schools, included visits by students and parents to the college, and publication of a brochure listing recommended courses. (JAC)

Essay focuses on the concept of the urban university serving the needs of the metropolitan community in which it is located. Recommendations include emphasizing instructional activities, faculty concerns, student services, and community service in evaluating existing operational procedures and programs. (Author/SA)

Suggests that the Association of Urban Universities (A.U.U.), before its dissolution, contributed significantly to the history of the American city and higher education by helping member institutions to respond to changing times. (Journal available through: Department of History, University of Wisconsin, Box 413, Milwaukee, WI 53201) (MJL)

Presents historical and contemporary challenges facing the City University of New York (CUNY) Graduate School, a consortium of teaching and research faculty. Discusses its unique characteristics, the consequences and available resources of the urban setting, maintaining a public image, and sustaining the financial integrity of the university. (SA)

While it is a land-grant university with ambitious plans, the University of the District of Columbia faces the problems posed by its urban context, expectations, small endowment, administrative turnover, and administrative scandals. (MSE)

This paper presents a study designed to determine the reason first and post-first year students (N=61) chose to leave Chicago Urban University (CUU) prior to graduation. Data were sought from a random sample of 100 students via either a mailed or a telephone survey, with a 61% response rate. The 54-question interview/survey instrument examined the…

In the wake of a black-white student fight on campus, Columbia University administrators are investigating reports of racial bias and black students have filed charges of aggravated racial harrassment and demanded establishment of an Afro-American studies program, more black faculty, and a larger black student population. (MSE)

This report addresses specific problems that urban-oriented colleges and universities face in meeting the educational needs of the urban poor and disadvantaged, and explores what is being and can be done about these problems. Six programs funded by the Ford Foundation are described. Four of these deal with basic skills and related services. They…