This article describes two models for enhancing the social integration of nontraditional students in academic programs. The first explains ways to develop onsite communities for both graduate and undergraduate degree-seeking students at New York University. The second model is used with undergraduate students at Washington State University seeking…

Loyola University Chicago had long used the tag line, "Chicago's Jesuit University," to highlight the institution's local origins and its ties to a 450-year tradition of academic excellence. By the turn of this century, this reference was unfamiliar to a large percentage of prospective students, particularly adult students, and the Chicago focus…

The primary role of continuing education (CE) is to connect the university and the community. Historically, many CE units have looked to the business world for guidance. As changes in society increase the range and diversity of links between the university and the community, CE leaders are working increasingly within the mainstream of their…

This article presents the author's response to Gary Miller's essay entitled "Ethical Realism and Continuing Education." In his essay, Dr. Miller has provided a valuable opportunity to reflect on the practice of continuing education (CE) leadership. Dr. Miller reviews six principles that are encapsulated in the concept of ethical realism, but are…

Faculty instructional time is a critical resource at all universities, but particularly in a major research institution like Harvard. Operating on the periphery of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Harvard's division of Continuing Education is often at a disadvantage when attempting to recruit senior faculty. However, through its distance…

The integration of children whose first language is not English into public school systems is an issue that many states must confront and is particularly critical in Texas. The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) has led the way in addressing the needs of learners and schools by developing an innovative program, Language Learners at the…

Educators, career counseling offices and alumni associations know well the stories of mid-career challenges. Courted by companies at graduation and quickly promoted in early years, well-educated professionals may assume that success will always be theirs for the asking, even if they take time off. It can be equally easy for universities to assume…

Established in 1827, the University of Toronto is regarded as one of Canada's leading academic and research institutions. It has the highest number of students (both undergraduate and graduate), the most faculty members, and the widest range of courses among Canadian universities. It has often been referred to as the "Harvard of the North" because…

Discusses competition and profit in higher education and the effect of the profit motive on educational quality. Describes the impact of the lucrative executive education field, extension education, the Internet, and the hidden curriculum of advertising and corporate dollars in universities. (SK)

The director of "The Futures Project: Policy for Higher Education in a Changing World" discusses the competitive environment of higher education, the emergence of new providers, and the effect of market forces on accountability and responsiveness. Addresses policies and institutional strategies for this new environment. (SK)

Technology is driving much of education, but learning is socially constructed. Learning, including electronic forms, should be designed to create a social learning environment. This can help bridge the divide between the "analog" professor and the "digital" student. (SK)

Factors altering the higher education industry include radical change in the type of students, necessity of lifetime education, and new technologies. These factors are increasing the entry of private-sector players. Strategic university responses may be strengthening of accreditation, cost-cutting and efficiency measures, horizontal…

Recognizing that lifelong learning is broader than continuing education, providers must move to organizational and community models of learning and seek private and philanthropic funding sources for lifelong learning programs. Continuing education professionals should adopt a new orientation to their professional role. (SK)

Current models of university continuing education resemble traditional higher education and do not meet the needs of people in or near retirement. Constraints on change include a mindset focused on formal education as career development, the need for programs to be self-sufficient, and a reward structure that does not support programs for older…

A survey of continuing education providers showed the need for greater investment in marketing, cultivation of outsourcing relationships, staff development in marketing techniques, and new ways of communicating the message to potential customers. (SK)