Describes how the University of Maryland University College is offering one of the few distance education programs, Better Opportunities through Online Education, designed to teach working poor people the skills they need to advance in the job market. (EV)

Describes how leaders of the far-flung divisions of the Johns Hopkins University sought a unified response to the SARS epidemic. (EV)

Describes the ways in which a professor of statistics uses humor in the classroom. Ronald A. Berk uses humor as systematic teaching tool even though some other faculty and administrators consider his approach frivolous. (SLD)

Describes the difficulties faced by AmeriCorps. The laws that govern this national service program have not been updated. Although the Bush administration is expected to increase the number of participants, the long-term health and effectiveness of the program will depend on whether Congress and the administration can agree on legislation to…

Discusses the growing involvement between medical schools and medical industries and the ethical problems this situation poses. The main concern is that investigators may expose subjects to unnecessary risks because they are driven by financial motives. (SLD)

Outlines the confusion arising when public colleges invoke a constitutional shield when they are accused of pirating software. Some state institutions claim immunity under the 11th Amendment from prosecution for infringement of intellectual property. (SLD)

Describes the increasing interest in high school debate teams among minority group students. Participation in debate, no longer the province of white students alone, can result in increased college admissions, thanks in part to the Urban Debate League. (SLD)

Describes advances in gender equity in college athletics, but also identifies the threat posed by rising costs, which undermine both women's and men's athletic programs. (SLD)

Describes the controversy in the school of architecture of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, over the dismissal of the dean of the school and the influence wielded by four senior professors who did not agree with the dean's policies. Also describes complaints by younger faculty members about the work environment. (SLD)

Discusses the "student work penalty" that occurs when students earn too much money to remain eligible for federal financial aid and describes some efforts to overturn this denial of eligibility. Community college students, who are likely to work, are particularly vulnerable to this denial of aid. (SLD)

Tells the story of David C. England, whose career as community college president, has been derailed by his arrest for trafficking in marijuana. The administrator denies selling marijuana, but admits he stored and grew large quantities. (SLD)

Many colleges are resuming their Webcasting operations after a settlement with the recording industry lowered fees to the point that college stations can afford to play the music they used to play for free. Confusion remains about rights to music online. (SLD)

Describes some of the efforts colleges are taking to discourage disruptive behavior by students in the classroom. Many of these initiatives have been requested by students themselves. Most depend on setting clear expectations for student behavior. (SLD)

Describes some not-so-traditional perks offered by colleges to professors. These include social opportunities and parent-friendly policies, cultural opportunities, housing assistance, and policies that are supportive of gay and lesbian faculty. (SLD)

If some lawmakers and community college leaders have their way, the amount of federal aid received by students at elite private colleges may be reduced. Private colleges say they will fight to protect federal aid that other institutions want for needy students. (SLD)