Universities in the United States are hardly novices in international initiatives, yet overseas projects today, although enticing, often seem novel to them, long experience notwithstanding. A number of motivators drive the new zeal to go overseas. Among these are a resolve to stay competitive in this era of heightened inter-institutional…

The Internal Revenue Service has begun to question more seriously the accounting methods used by universities to determine unrelated business income tax (UBIT). Current and future impact of the UBIT are discussed, and a method of calculating the tax is detailed. (Author/MSE)

An appellate court found that Michigan's popular prepaid college tuition program is not subject to federal income taxes, reversing an earlier decision. The program, considered a model for other states, was suspended in 1991 due to fund depletion from tax payments. The Internal Revenue Service is considering an appeal. (MSE)

Inventions developed at 117 research universities produced $242-million in royalties in fiscal 1993, significantly higher than the previous year. Observers see a maturation of the technology transfer process, in which inventions take some years to arrive on the market. Containing legal costs is a persistent issue for the institutions. (MSE)

The Fashion Institute of Technology (New York) is developing a Center for Design Innovation to nurture start-up of design firms and facilitate contacts between firms and clothing manufacturers, but its primary purpose is to generate revenue for the college. The evolution of the center and the lessons learned that may be useful to other public…

The income tax options available to college faculty who work abroad while maintaining ties to a U.S. academic institution are outlined, and the role of planning in optimizing those choices is explained. Issues addressed include definition of taxable income, record-keeping, distinction between exclusions and deductions, and fellowships. (MSE)

Rulings on applications for animal patents being considered by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office could profoundly influence university patent and research income. Many animal-rights advocates have expressed philosophical objections to genetic engineering of animals. (MLW)

The Tax Reform Acts of 1976 and 1978 and their impact on charitable giving are described. Tax policy is seen to be in a state of flux with charities now no longer enjoying a favored status. The educational community needs to be alert to Congressional attitudes toward tax incentives. (MLW)

Written during the summer and fall immediately following the passage of Proposition 13 (the California tax limitation amendment), this paper examines circumstances leading to its overwhelming support at the polls and the immediate efforts of state and local units of government to cope with the changes. The following are discussed: the political…