National College Access Network (NCAN) has heard, repeatedly and consistently, over the years that one of the best aspects of NCAN membership is the ability to collaborate with and learn from other members. In an effort to further the transfer of ideas, NCAN, in the summer of 2016, hosted a series of four Idea Incubators across the country. These…

Shared governance is a basic tenet of higher education and is frequently referred to. For shared governance to be successful, board members, administrators, and faculty members must learn to have respect for and confidence in each other, acting inclusively, transparently, and responsibly. Boards need to be active and involved, participating in…

At Southern Methodist University, traditionally considered an exclusive college, minority enrollment is at an all-time high and efforts have been made to create services and activities to accommodate African Americans. Administrative commitment is clear. However, problems persist in creating a welcoming community for students and faculty. (MSE)

High-profile athletic programs contribute to the collegiate ideal and are used by many institutions to provide connections to their internal and external constituencies. The magnitude of major athletic events contributes to and in some cases defines institutional image, even serving as a surrogate for the more intimate community-building…

Birnbaum's 1982 study of diversity in higher education is reviewed, and the development of an indicator series on institutional diversity is evaluated. Birnbaum studied diversity in higher education in the framework of a natural selection or population ecology model, which emphasizes the importance of environmental factors in shaping populations…

Four books published about Harvard University that evoke clear images of what many people call the greatest institution of higher education in America are discussed. Two of the books congratulate, while two debunk. (MLW)

Responding to challenges questioning the possibility of distinctively Catholic higher education, this article seeks to establish an integrated vision for Catholic universities. Relying on the works of Philip Gleason, Ignatius of Loyola, and Bernard Lonergan, the author provides a framework for the important research function of Catholic…

Presents a comprehensive ranking of all national liberal arts colleges based on publications cataloged by the "Journal of Economic Literature" (JEL) from 1989-1994. Concludes that, although economics research is important at the highest ranked colleges, it remains a secondary consideration at the rest. Briefly discusses previous rankings…

Describes a visit to the Harvard University (Massachusetts) business school to examine how its curriculum and instruction have responded to economic, social, and technological changes in the business world. Focus is on the use of the case method and classroom discussion as central teaching techniques and the value of program participation to…

Features of the matrix model of the research university and myths about the academic enterprise are described, along with serious dissonances in the U.S. university system. The linear model, from which the matrix model evolved, describes the university's structure, perceived mission, and organizational behavior. A matrix model portrays in concise,…