The Justice Department's investigation of possible antitrust violations by colleges and universities, which focuses on the way private colleges set tuition rates and award financial aid to students, is discussed. The inquiry centers on groups or consortia of private colleges. (MLW)

Institutions that have adopted anti-harassment plans have taken one of two approaches: some penalize students for verbally or physically attacking other students, while others prohibit students from engaging in any kind of offensive behavior, regardless of whether it is directed at an individual. (MLW)

A recent Supreme Court ruling in a lawsuit concerning sex discrimination in corporate promotion decisions had circumstances similar to those in academic discrimination litigation, and may make it easier for college faculty to bring discrimination cases against colleges and universities. (MSE)

More faculty and administrators are seeking access to student files and class rosters and are gaining it through the proliferation of computer terminals on campus, raising the level of responsibility of registrars far above the actual level of control. An institutional approach to records security is recommended. (MSE)

After years of being ignored by federal regulators because of the low volume of hazardous waste in question, colleges and universities are facing increased enforcement of environmental laws concerning waste disposal and storage, at great cost in money, facilities, and personnel. (MSE)

The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants has ruled that by the year 2000, new members must have 150 credits in higher education (a year of study beyond the bachelor's degree) due to the increased complexity of accounting. The transition to the new requirements is predicted to be disruptive. (MSE)

After suspension of its football program, Southern Methodist University has established a course, required of athletes, covering such topics as National Collegiate Athletic Association standards and regulations, dealing with agents and media, athletes' rights, the ethics of drug testing, and the significance of race and gender in college sports.…

Higher education institutions are creating academic centers or institutes run for and by older adults, often retired professionals. The organizations are quasi-independent and organize their own programs. While they are usually attached to continuing education divisions, they are also seen as a community service. (MSE)

The recommendations made in a recent report, "The Guardians: Boards of Trustees of American Colleges and Universities," address governing board membership, structure, operations, role, and responsibilities. Emphasis is on the public board. (MSE)

While increased attention is being paid by federal policy-makers to improved science education, many academics feel the approaches and funding is too limited and far-reaching change is necessary, including coordination of programs, reduced anti-education bias in research programs, and federal adoption of responsibility for science education. (MSE)

Students at the City University of New York are protesting proposed tuition increases and budget cuts and using newfound confidence and influence to seek a variety of institutional improvements, including day care and campus security. Meanwhile, the institution is facing financial and administrative crisis. (MSE)

Critics of the Texas higher education system complain South Texas public colleges have not shared state funds equitably and suggest mergers would allow the small institutions to gain political power and funding for expansion. However, the mergers are seen as only a beginning to the regional upgrading of higher education. (MSE)

The public display of disagreement between scientists over the reported achievement of cold fusion shocked casual observers but is said by long-time observers to be unremarkable in science history. Concern on all sides focuses on the political and business aspects of discovery and the degree of scientific competition. (MSE)

Representatives of 270 colleges are establishing a new accrediting agency to end the American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business' 70 years as sole accreditor in the field. At issue are who should define the quality of business education and the role of research and faculty doctorates in accreditation. (MSE)

Data on faculty salaries by rank (professor, associate professor, assistant professor, new assistant professor, and instructor) and sector are presented for 52 disciplines. Respondents were 281 public and 470 private institutions. (MSE)