A consortium of universities has charged that research money has been concentrated in a small number of states that have already established close ties between higher education and small businesses. Some small-business advocates believe the consortium is trying to win money that has been earmarked for small businesses. (MLW)

The Nebraska Instrument Sharing Consortium (NISC) is a group of small colleges that have banded together to provide modern instrumentation to their students at an affordable price. Consortium activities are described, including how the instruments are moved between campuses. (JN)

The open learning concept has proved sensationally successful, but it still is not getting the attention and support it deserves. A leading authority gives a short course in what it's about and tells why states should lend support. (Editor/LBH)

The focus of this study is the ongoing need for empirical examination of current strategies for encouraging faculty participation in distance education. The study examined the growth in faculty participation in Internet-based distance teaching at 31 state-supported colleges and universities, members of the State University of New York Learning…

Examines the intricacies of consortia, how they work, and how they can work. (HS)

The costs of producing an alumni magazine led to the establishment of the Alumni Magazine Consortium by John Hopkins, Rensselaer Polytechnic, Franklin and Marshall College, Worcester Polytechnic, and Hartwick College. A 16-page core of material in the center of each magazine is wrapped with a client school manuscript. (MLW)

The Pacific Northwest International/Intercultural Education Consortium includes two-year and four-year public and private colleges as well as world affairs organizations in Alaska, British Columbia, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. Its formation, goals, organization, and activities are described. (BW)

CLEO is a telephone referral service that provides adults with counseling, assessment, admissions, and other information about its 38 member colleges. An innovative postsecondary business partnership, it seeks to help adults realize self-directed development goals. (SK)

Consortia have much to offer higher education but are often unappealing because of undue emphasis on reducing costs, inadequate attention to the range of possibilities, and mismatching of membership and mission. Four types of consortia exist according to purposes (special and general) and membership (heterogeneous or homogeneous). (MSE)

The mineral springs resort of Zzyzx in California is the site of a unique academic research center in high desert studies. It is being developed into a Desert Studies Center for seven southern campuses of the California State University and College System, and will provide field work opportunities for geology, geography, and anthropology students.…

Describes the development of an online learning program being developed by the University of the Highlands and Islands Millennium Institute, a consortium of colleges and research institutes in Scotland. Highlights include staff development; theories of learning and teaching; principles of course design; conversation theory; and paradigm shifts in…

Discusses how colleges and universities are becoming increasingly involved in economic development, with the formation of strategic alliances that have led to programs that benefit business and higher education. Discusses example programs from the Valley of Virginia Partnership for Education, and the outreach program of James Madison University.…

Discusses how higher education consortia can be instrumental in developing community leaders to address social, economic, and environmental issues that face most communities and regions. Offers the example of the Leadership Jackson program involving Western Carolina University and Southwestern Community College. (EV)