Competency-based education (CBE) is an approach to pedagogy that emphasizes the mastery of skills and concepts rather than credit hours or seat time. The assessment of mastery can take several forms, including formal assessments of prior learning (such as portfolio reviews or examinations) and automated evaluations of online coursework. Advocates…

This study intended to identify commonalities of fine arts programs at selected private liberal arts colleges and universities in order to ultimately develop an exemplary fine arts program in a similar setting. This study searched for answers to three research questions within the context of art, music, dance, and theatre. The first research…

An estimated 46 million adults have some college education but have not completed their degrees. For many, especially those who have accumulated several years' worth of credits, the inability to finish college remains a frustration. If the United States is to achieve its ambitious education attainment goals, many more adults with such experience…

In a time of transformation in higher education, "Leading Change: How Boards and Presidents Build Exceptional Institutions" fills a significant void in leadership literature and focuses on the changing level of board engagement. This book examines 18 institutions, across the spectrum of higher education, at which the board played a…

The article presents a theoretical framework, "institutional phase theory", that charts the process by which higher education faculties in the USA were broadened by race, gender, and to a certain extent class over the past 40 years. Drawing upon institutional ethnographies of three very different universities--a top-ranked private…

In 1987, the first Commission on the Future of Independent Higher Education charted a path for independent colleges and universities in New Jersey. Many changes have taken place in New Jersey higher education in the 15 years since this "Boyer" report was issued, and in 2000, a new Commission was formed to review progress since the 1987…

Describes how a private 2-year liberal arts college in New Jersey contracts to deliver public community college services. (A related document is EA 504 175). (DN)

Fund raising for private colleges has been successful in New Jersey because it no longer focuses on unrestricted corporate gifts as many do but seeks support from a broader variety of sources. State aid gained in this way is a radical and possibly life-saving innovation. (MSE)

Trends in the number of transfer students enrolled in New Jersey four-year institutions in the fall semesters from 1981 to 1985 are examined, along with the extent to which community colleges have contributed to the pool of students who transfer. Also considered are characteristics of students who transferred to state colleges. Overall, the trend…

This report examines costs of higher education in New Jersey, comparing the state's system of higher education and its individual sectors with national counterparts. The comparison takes into account such factors as differences in the cost of living and the size and relevant structural characteristics of a state's higher education system. In…

Opening fall enrollment trends for New Jersey colleges and universities for 1985 and 1986 are reported in narrative and statistical form. Fall undergraduate and post-baccalaureate full-time and part-time enrollments are presented by sector and for specific state colleges and universities, community colleges, and private colleges. A 1.5% decline in…

The 1982 data on degrees and other awards conferred by New Jersey colleges and universities are presented, and historical trends are analyzed. For each institution, information is presented on the number of degrees conferred by type of degree (e.g., associate) and broad program category (e.g., business and management). In addition, historical…

The New Jersey College Basic Skills Placement Test (NJCBSPT) is administered in a new form each year to all entering freshmen in New Jersey public colleges and 12 participating independent colleges. The NJCBSPT was taken by 44,344 students from March through December 1985. Test results revealed the following: (1) 26% were proficient in verbal…

The extent of violent crimes reported on New Jersey colleges and universities in 1985 is discussed, based on reports from the institutions. Recommendations for crime prevention made by the Chancellor's Special Advisory Committee on Violent Crimes, Hazing, and Arson on Campus are also considered. There were 477 reported incidents of violent crime,…

A consortium comprised of a technologically advanced suburban high school, a struggling urban high school, and a resourceful private college has helped the two high schools publish an online magazine, develop interdisciplinary projects, and prepare submissions to an online chemistry magazine. Linking high- and low-achieving schools benefitted all…