It is argued that despite the decline of the humanities in higher education in the 20 years since the National Endowment for the Humanities came into existence, the agency has probably done much to promote the humanities and prevent further decline. (MSE)

Faced with unabated inflation, declining enrollments, and forbidding demographic trends, scores of small liberal arts colleges are restructuring to attract students and subsidize costs. Approaches taken by several specific schools are described including career oriented programs, mutual assistance partnerships with corporations, and luring of…

The debate over the nature and form of general education is discussed. The Project on General Education Models, which surveyed colleges and universities that had taken concrete steps to review or revise their general education programs, is described. Some new programs are outlined. (MLW)

Discusses how the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) has funded projects successfully influencing the way undergraduate science and mathematics are taught around the nation. (EV)

The National Endowment for the Humanities is criticized for not providing greater leadership both within the government and among potential sources of private financial support for the humanities. (MSE)

The President's proposal to establish a Federally financed foundation to stimulate academic reform has produced interesting ideological and political alignments. (Editor)

Examines efforts at Syracuse University since winning the 1996 Hesburgh Award for transforming into a "student-centered research university." Concludes that the institution has been successful in creating consensus for its redefined mission, building supporting infrastructure, and changing its campus culture. Asserts that it can serve as…

Discusses the new federal Fund for the Improvement of Post-Secondary Education. (PG)

Discusses the new federal Fund for the Improvement of Post-Secondary Education. (PG)

Describes reforms at Johnson C. Smith University, a private black institution in Charlotte, North Carolina. (PB)

Nontraditional programs have fought and won victories because their cause seemed worthy. Now it is time, the author says, to consider how the merger of work and study and off-campus activities is distinctive. (Editor/JT)

A midstream report of an ambitious attempt to make the University of Massachusetts School of Education the flagship of teacher-training reform. (Editor/IR)

Colleges should not be overly concerned with technology as an end in itself; computers are only part of the solution. As new applications are developed, interaction and information seeking of members of the academic community will change dramatically. Emphasis should be on service and support of technology to reach scholarly objectives. (MSE)

College science education is at risk of becoming mired in the "reform culture" that has long been problematic in precollege science. A single universal solution to student underpreparedness and lack of sustained interest cannot be found, but a departmental level commitment to change and reallocation of resources is necessary to achieve program…

Observations about academic reform movements against a background of Erich Fromm's philosophies on human relationships and behavior. (Editor)