Describes two national-level collaborations among urban public universities: Restructuring for Urban Student Success (RUSS) and the Urban Universities Portfolio Project (UUPP). RUSS developed and studied approaches to improving performance and retention among urban college students, particularly first-years. UUPP was designed to enhance…

Once a school with many serious problems, Chicago State University (CSU) has greatly improved under the leadership of its first Black president, Benjamin H. Alexander. Some of the problems he faced at CSU, an urban predominantly Black campus, include possible loss of accreditation, poor morale, faculty integration, and low academic standards. (JMD)

John C. Sawhill became president of New York University (NYU) and balanced its budget in a year. His administration of the university, his personality, NYU's financial situation and the subsequent reforms, fund raising, faculty morale and governance, and efforts to improve the university's academic reputation are discussed. (JMD)

The dramatic improvements at New York Law School are primarily because of the efforts of Dean Donald Shapiro. Increased financial support, quality curriculum, promotion of the school, facility improvement, unique programs allowing greater accessibility to students, renowned speakers, and an urban law emphasis are among the changes. (JMD)

New York's Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) is described with emphasis on its effect or lack of effect on access, urban students, and middle-income parents. Its role within the three major higher education systems in the state--SUNY, CUNY, and the independents--is examined. (LBH)

A view of events at City College of New York during the 1970s when an open admissions policy was initiated is discussed by the eighth president of the college. At CUNY, the objective was to provide remediation, counseling, and tutoring in order to maximize the possibility of success. (MLW)

Four books are reviewed including: "Fostering Minority Access and Achievement in Higher Education" (a Ford Foundation study by Richard Richardson and Lewis Bender); "In Pursuit of Equality in Higher Education" (Anne Pruitt); "Latino College Students" (Michael Olivas); and "Toward Undergraduate Student Quality in…