This institutional autoethnography (IAE) explores the political and pedagogical dynamics of WPA and WAC/WID work within an exceedingly small, resolutely single-sex, and assuredly rural liberal arts campus ecology. Working within a theoretical framework informed by WAC/WID's historical commitment to increasing literacy in students from diverse…

Strategies employed by Hood College to bolster its enrollment and survive are discussed. They include eliminating some underenrolled or duplicative courses, launching new programs of study, adoption of a core curriculum, making planning an integral part of every department, improving budgeting, improving student services, and professionalizing…

The establishment of Kirkland College as the first independent women's college founded in the East since 1926 is reviewed with focus on its merger in 1978 into its parent institution, Hamilton College. Financial problems are cited and extreme differences in campus outlook are discussed. (LBH)

This annual compilation explores the history of small colleges in five articles that focus on the "uses" of this history in facing current debates concerning institutional directions. A brief introduction by Harold S. Wechsler addresses the role of institutional history for the small college. The first article is "Celebrating Roots:…

At two women's liberal arts colleges, freshman (n=127, n=140) perceptions of academic advising style were measured. Although students reported developmental advising at both institutions, the mean score at one college was significantly more developmental than at the other. Frequency of contact and an academic planning component were significant…

Some misconceptions about the Wilson College Case are discussed, including: the case did not become precedent in law because the degree was superceded by a consent decree; the judge was not a villain; the college was not bankrupt; and the old board did not act wisely. (Author/MLW)

The creation and development of 10 women's colleges are discussed: Mount Holyoke, Vassar, Wellesley, Smith, Radcliffe, Bryn Mawr, and Barnard (the Seven Sisters colleges), and Sarah Lawrence, Bennington, and Scripps. Consideration is given to: how each of these colleges offered to women an education equal to that offered by the best men's…

The 1977-78 report of gifts and bequests to 67 colleges and universities, which is part of a continuing study of higher education and American philanthropy, is presented. Narrative and statistical information are provided as follows: 58-year totals and averages (1920-21 to 1977-78) on gifts and bequests to 67 colleges and universities; gifts and…

The 1978-79 report of gifts and bequests to 70 colleges and universities, which is part of a continuing study of higher education and American philanthropy, is presented. Narrative and statistical information are provided as follows: 59-year totals and averages (1920-21 to 1978-79) on gifts and bequests to 70 colleges and universities; gifts and…

Wheaton College, a small liberal arts college for women, has begun integrating women's experiences into the mainstream of learning, to bring a gender-balanced perspective to the traditional liberal arts. A project funded by a grant from the Department of Education's Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education is described. (MLW)

The aftermath of a Pennsylvania judge's overturning the trustees of Wilson College's decision to close is described. A new board and new president found themselves confronted with a public relations handicap--Judge Keller's decision was almost universally perceived as governmental intrusion. (MLW)

This book traces the development of competitive admission and financial aid policies at a selected group of 16 liberal arts colleges in Ohio and Massachusetts over the period 1955 to 1994. Exploring the way institutional decisions reflect and respond to broad demographic, economic, political, and social forces, the book considers the challenges…

Nearly 11 years ago trustees of Wilson College (Pennsylvania) voted to close the institution. A group of alumnae brought a lawsuit to keep the college open, and since then the college's programs have been transformed to meet the changing interests and ages of its students. A division of continuing studies was created. (MLW)

The efforts of Mary Lyon, virtually singlehandedly, to raise money, recruit students, and plan the academic development of Mount Holyoke Female Seminary, founded in 1837, are detailed in this book. The founder sought to educate women through rigorous application of the intellect, which she believed to lead to salvation. In doing so she…

Organizational change at Wells College, New York, is traced from 1876-1905 in relation to women's role in higher education. This excerpt of a larger study indicates how women worked within a female college that had male authority figures at a time in which there were strong notions about proper feminine behavior. The college was intended to train…