Focusing on the social forces acting upon community colleges, this paper reviews possible modes of response by the colleges, focusing specifically on the role of institutional research. The first section presents an overview of the social forces affecting community colleges, discussing the 16% increase in two-year college enrollments in the…

This paper discusses the transformation of the university ideal, as envisioned by Wilhelm von Humbolt, from cooperation between science and practical application (Lehre und Leben) and the belief in education and upbringing to a belief in material progress. The paper explores Humboldt's idea of a university, and to what extent it is or is not being…

The extent to which U.S. colleges and universities contribute to the fulfillment of students' lives is discussed by Secretary of Education William Bennett in an address to Harvard University. Secretary Bennett's observations are based on his experiences as a law student, freshman proctor, and tutor at Harvard University, as well as his subsequent…

Trends and issues that will influence the development of the community college towards its highest potential as a social and economic force are explored. Chief among the efforts to define the community college role in California were those of the Regents of the University of California and the State Board of Education who offered guidelines for…

Student development is seen as a set of variables that can be used by a college to assess its social contribution to the region, state, or community in which it resides. In doing so, it is important to consider student characteristics upon admission. A total of 1,927 student records from three colleges and universities were combined to study…

This paper analyzes disability support services in higher education to provide administrators with a clearer understanding of disability support services and the legal requirements for their institutions to provide accommodations to students with disabilities. It begins by discussing the rapid growth in the number of college students with…

The private liberal arts college's obligations and contributions to the moral decision-making process of its students and alumni are shown to be responses to questions of the meaning of human life, what is worth loving and knowing, and what is worthy of belief. (JMF)

Three policy statements developed by ACE on the role and responsibilities of trustees, presidents, and athletics directors for the conduct of collegiate athletics programs are presented. Important items include recommendations that wide student participation be encouraged, and that athletic programs not be in conflict with an institution's primary…

Reflects on the external dimensions of universities in Southeast Asia. Discusses the changing roles of universities relative to corresponding changes in the political and social climate of the country where they are located. Affirms that significant progress in the interchange of information has been achieved while suggesting that even more can be…

Examines trends in social science research on biotechnology and agriculture. Discusses role of private industry's biotechnology "hype" in defining social science research policy in universities. Suggests that widespread promotion of biotechnology as "revolutionary" contributed to lack of academic scrutiny. Examines social…

This statement addresses the basic practices of student development professionals that help community colleges assure success on the part of their students in an effort to reaffirm and update the standards of practice that undergird the profession. Introductory material discusses the rationale, philosophy, and purpose of the statement; explains…

A study was conducted to compare the priorities of college administrators with those of strategic external constituencies regarding the activities of the Maricopa Community Colleges and Central Arizona College. The strategic constituencies for the colleges were defined as all 90 state legislators, 21 state board members and staff, and a sample of…

The meaning of education is addressed in this book of philosophical essays by seven authors. Focus is on education in the context of the issues that currently confront students, teachers, educational institutions, and people concerned with the quality of contemporary life. The volume examines the cultural foundations of society and finds the…

The quality of education being offered by institutions of higher education is being questioned. Trends toward educational quality are evident by court cases that are cited; the issue has been school finance. The equal protection clause of the Constitution has been extended to apply to several areas through the idea of "fundamental rights." The…

Increased migration to rural communities by urbanites has focused greater attention on the role of the rural community college as the focal point of community activity and the major source of significant leadership and direction in community development efforts. Through its community service programs, the community college can contribute to…