States that few higher education institutions have publicly articulated clear expectations of the knowledge and skills students are to attain. Describes gap between student and faculty expectations for academic effort. Reports that what is required in students' first semester appears to play a strong role in shaping the time investments made in…

The great works of Western civilization, long held up to college students as models of human achievement, are rapidly being replaced by trivia and by multicultural and poststructural studies. With the growth of postmodern studies has come a decline in broad-based core requirements. This paper recommends rooting postmodernism out of the university…

With renewed emphasis on core curricula, many students are for the first time confronting a foreign language requirement. Some misconceptions about foreign language study, sources of student anxiety, and practical suggestions to advisors are discussed. (MLW)

The university aims to define what it means to be a well-educated person and a responsible citizen both of the university and of the broader social and political world. A definition of the idea of a university and an analysis of the role and function of "general education" in a modern university are provided.(MLW)

The President of Miami University of Ohio explains why he has proposed a test of basic reading and writing skills as a graduation requirement at his institution. (SJL)

The college catalog is discussed with regard to its contractual obligations and applicable federal legislation, and court cases are examined. Historical developments, elements of a contract, and student rights are also addressed. It is suggested that although the university is contractually bound by its published policies and procedures, it can…

Offering a degree in advance of the traditional B.A. will "exalt the liberal arts curriculum" and better serve new students. The curriculum should be expanded to accommodate the less-qualified undergraduates and full service should be offered to the public, six days a week, year round. (MLW)