Describes how Iowa State University's mishandling of a bequest of farmland (the land was sold despite a directive that it be maintained by the university) cut to the heart of both its own credibility and the region's source of pride. (EV)

Describes how several business schools, fed up with students' Internet use during class time, are taking steps to force them to log off. Money spent wiring classrooms for Internet access and laptop use has encouraged distraction among students and the use of "kill switches" by professors. (EV)

Describes how a small but increasing number of students who are admitted to competitive higher education institutions are spending a year traveling or volunteering before enrolling. Some institutions, such as Harvard University, encourage this break to avoid burn-out and provide students with perspective. (EV)

Explores how the recent deaths of several college football players have prompted questions about whether athletes should be participating in sports to the exclusion of almost every other activity. Offers the example of Virginia Tech and discusses regulations on practice from the National Collegiate Athletic Association. (EV)

Discusses higher education in the Philippines, describing how colleges in the Philippines admit a large number of students but fail to provide them with a high-quality education. Explores reasons for the problem and efforts at higher education reform. (EV)

Discusses how professional schools, faced with a shortage of students and an increased demand for cross-disciplinary training, are teaming up to offer joint degrees. Examples include joint medical and business degrees, joint social work and law degrees, and joint medical and law degrees. (EV)

Explores how Pittsburgh's traditional colleges did not fight the for-profit University of Phoenix when it arrived, but are now going after a tiny for-profit institution, Potomac College, that wants to expand into the area. The colleges claim the school unnecessarily duplicates offerings they provide. (EV)

Discusses how many colleges charge distance-education students for services that are available only to people on campus. Universities that have considered the issue have embraced a variety of responses: some have erased traditional fees only to begin charging technology fees, while others waive some fees for online students but keep others. (EV)

Describes how Rhodes scholarships and other prestigious awards, once dominated by the Ivy League, are going to other colleges. Winning institutions are employing special advisers and programs to prepare competitors and lure top students and big donors. (EV)

Describes how Peter Berkowitz, well known for his caustic political commentary, sued Harvard after it denied his tenure bid. As the first professor ever to take the institution to court for such a denial, Berkowitz has incurred disdain; supporters say he simply follows through on what he believes and expects others to do so. (EV)

Describes how the for-profit University of Phoenix is attempting again to enter New Jersey, 3 years after withdrawing an application to operate there. This time, its plan focuses more on female and minority students. (EV)

Describes how some small-college bookstores are relocating off-campus in an effort to increase profits and help revive flagging downtown business districts. Such a move can help fight competition in the $10.1-billion college bookstore industry, especially as more chains take over the operation of college bookstores and online booksellers carve out…

Describes how at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the first top-level research institution to mandate laptop computers, professors are still seeking a role for them in class. The requirement for laptops has yielded savings for the institution, but educational gains are evolving and hard to measure. (EV)

Discusses a report from the National Collegiate Athletic Association, which indicates that fewer male basketball players are graduating from college. Four out of ten players graduated from Division I colleges, the lowest rate in 11 years. Many coaches take issue with how the statistics are compiled; however, the NCAA is considering new academic…

Explores how, in the aftermath of the airplane hijackings and deaths at New York's World Trade Center and the Pentagon, academic freedom may be under threat. Provides examples of student or administrative action against professors offering different viewpoints. (EV)