Women's colleges, which have generally considered sports an integral part of academic life, now face pressures to compete with coed institutions at which sports have taken on a more competitive attitude. Many fear compromising their ideals if they endeavor to match the athletic programs of other institutions. (SLD)

Examines circumstances leading to the transition of Webster College, Missouri, from a Catholic women's college to a secular, co-educational university. The issue of identity was re-addressed at a critical juncture in Webster's history, as it dealt with its financial and enrollment difficulties. The study shows that influential role of leadership…

Describes University of Richmond and Westhampton College, which function in coordinate college model, defending this hybrid. Describes how two cooperating single-sex colleges share joint, common curriculum but maintain somewhat separate identities, as with different faculties, residence halls, student governments, and college traditions. Describes…

Author describes her perspective on the Stone Center for Developmental Services and Studies, integral part of Wellesley College established in 1981 and dedicated to prevention of emotional problems, primarily among women. Describes Education, Research, and Counseling divisions of the Stone Center and the basic tenets that drive the center's…

Studied three women's colleges to determine how women's colleges accomplish their goals of women's education and how they influence their students. Findings demonstrated need for attention to context for leadership development; affirmative opportunities for women to develop and practice leadership skills; and environmental assessment. (NB)

Diversity has been a focus of higher education policy, law, and scholarship for decades, continually expanding to include not only race, ethnicity and gender, but also socioeconomic status, sexual and political orientation, and more. However, existing collections still tend to focus on a narrow definition of diversity in education, or in relation…

Discusses the impact that Spelman and Bennett Colleges have had on educational opportunities for Black women and highlights the contributions to the Black community of several alumnae from these institutions. Also provides an extensive bibliography of materials that focuses on Black women and higher education. (Author/GC)

Conducted naturalistic inquiry study of rituals at a women's college well known for its traditions (commencement, baccalaureate, junior show, community day, second semester convocation, and charter day). Findings showed how these events build community, establish consensus and meaning, expound value of achievement and leadership, and build…

Explores the ongoing debate as to whether female students can be better educated in a single or mixed gender environment by reviewing the historical origins of American women's colleges. Discusses the conflicting research surrounding the merit of single gender higher education and explores what coeducational institutions can learn from the women's…

Compared mission statements of 23 women's colleges with women's studies programs, 23 women's colleges without women's studies programs, and 21 coeducational colleges with women's studies programs. Found some consistent qualitative differences between mission statements of women's colleges and those of coeducational institutions with women's…

Student and alumnae groups have mobilized to preserve Wheaton College as one of a dwindling number of single-sex women's institutions and are taking legal action to fight what they believe is a breach of faith. (MSE)

Curriculum development to incorporate new scholarship about women is necessary and would be aided by two ingredients: visiting professorships to bring artists and scholar-teachers versed in the new scholarship to campus for the benefit of both faculty and students, and stipends or release time for faculty wishing to transform existing courses.…

Examination of the experiences of over 500 African American women who attended Seven Sisters Colleges shows that some colleges admitted them readily, some only under great pressure. Reflecting the larger society, issues of discrimination in admissions, housing, and financial aid were influenced by and had an effect on the overall struggle for…

Outlines the history of women's colleges and concludes with a case study of institutional assessment at Chatham College that provides insights for research and analysis. (EV)

Explores the experiences of two Black women in a predominantly white campus through phenomenology. Their experiences are revealed through conversation and metaphors. The author found them to be a little wiser and more prepared to meet the challenges of the world because of their journey through a predominantly white institution. (Contains 28…