Provides an overview of copyright regulations and examines issues of special concern for distance educators, including ambiguities in fair-use regulations. Notes rules concerning exclusive rights of copyrights holders, fair-use provisions, factors used to determine fair-use eligibility, and exemptions for "face-to-face" instruction. Provides…

The National Commission on the Cost of Higher Education has rejected calls for federal intervention to reduce college costs, but warned that if institutions do not control costs, the government will be forced to intervene, which could destroy academic quality. While colleges appreciate the panel's sensitivity to college autonomy, some observers…

Discusses college and university obligations to collect, maintain, and provide information about foreign students to the government. Explores federal immigration rules relating to foreign students and examines the interaction between the Immigration and Naturalization Service's (INS) regulations and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of…

American academics planning to attend an international conference on operations research in Cuba, including the keynote speaker, had to cancel plans when the Treasury Department did not approve licenses they needed to spend money in Cuba. They claim the lack of approval was for political reasons, but the government claims the application was…

Discusses the deregulation of telecommunications in the European Community, the impact of this deregulation on information services, and the possible effects of a truly common market on U.S. and Japanese information industries. A sidebar by Nancy Garman describes major online databases devoted to information about the coming European Single…

National and state issues affecting university timesharing and personal computer resales are discussed. Background information on timesharing sales, microcomputer sales, and unrelated business income tax (UBIT) and unfair competition is presented. A checklist for actions college and university campuses can take to deal with these issues is…

Sexual harassment violates Title VII of the 1965 Civil Rights Act. School systems that do not take steps to prevent sexual harassment are neglecting their responsibilities and are vulnerable to costly legal action. Lists steps school executives should take to halt sexual harassment. (MLF)

One aspect of universities becoming "big business" is the marketing and protection of trademarks. Universities have resorted to trademark infringement suits or licensing agreements. The historical purposes of trademark registration, the problems with litigating trademark infringement, and the advantages and disadvantages of licensing…

Describes how the largest school district in Utah complied with the regulations for school safety--the Occupational Safety and Health Administration expanded chemical hazard communication standard and the Environmental Protection Agency Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986. (MLF)

The Department of Justice and the state of Louisiana have reached agreement on a desegregation plan that calls for establishment of a community college network and spending on new programs and buildings at predominantly black Southern University of Grambling State University. The state's governance system, criticized as fragmented, will remain.…

Researchers fear that revelations of risky human subject research will frighten potential future subjects, and debate continues over the government's policy on methodology. Some feel the government has strong safeguards in place; others feel the system gives universities too much power to monitor themselves. (MSE)

Laws governing university ownership of paleontological specimens and resources, and attempts by the federal government to claim ownership, are discussed. A 1993 court case and its implications for universities are reviewed; and current statutes, regulations, and proposed legislation are examined. Guidelines for university paleontologists in…

Schools' regulation by external forces has rendered the education process secondary to avoidance of litigation. Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) provides an answer to the adversarial process currently in place within education. ADR offers negotiation and mediation as methods to resolve conflict, avoid litigation, and increase the likelihood of…

Discusses Britain's Children Act, which requires child welfare authorities to give due consideration to a child's religious background when placing a child or planning for its future. Reviews some child welfare practice and policy implications of this regulation. (HTH)

Discussion of the National Information Infrastructure and changes in telecommunications highlights the roles of the Clinton administration and the Department of Commerce; congressional activity, including regulatory committees; state regulations concerning local exchange carriers and cable television companies; the private sector; and the role of…