A well-publicized design competition is especially beneficial for universities. It allows them to enhance fund raising and stimulate design consciousness among students, the faculty, and even members of the surrounding community. Yet universities rarely conduct competitions, and instead select architects for major projects through a multistep,…

In November 2008, a mass email sent by the department chairman arrived in the inboxes of the imaging and photographic technology students at the Rochester Institute of Technology. A great opportunity was in store for four lucky students. The department had received a request for proposals (RFP) sent by NASA to colleges around the United States…

Describes the following features of the Cutler Playwrights Festival: (1) the contest, which involves publicity and choosing a play; (2) the workshop, in which the play's content, expert, release time, size, and follow-up are decided; and (3) the production, which determines the cast and crew and the final performance. (JD)

Israel's Sciempiad is an annual nationwide science competition for students ages 14 to 15, designed to stimulate interest in science and identify students with potential to become leading researchers. This article discusses how the selection procedure was determined and outlines steps in the selection process. (JDD)

This paper describes the 1992 Physics Olympiad Training Camp and the students who attended it. It focuses on student comments about their interest in physics, the challenges offered by the training camp, how camp participants are selected to attend the International Physics Olympiad, and the competition process. (JDD)

Discussion at a 1990 symposium on democratic values and higher education administration is summarized. Issues addressed include productive competition in higher education, open access vs. competitive selection, assessment of teacher performance and instructional quality, and the relationship between higher education institutions and national…

The history of the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) is presented, emphasizing U.S. participation, competitive events leading to selection of an American team, and rewards of the program. Also revealed are results of a survey of 58 American IMO participants and personal views of six American participants to the 1986 IMO. (JDD)