Although traditional postsecondary institutions in Canada attract equivalent proportions of men and women into undergraduate programs, distance education is an alternative method that appeals disproportionately to the women of Canada. (Author/JOW)

A study investigated causes of initial interest in and attrition from natural sciences and engineering among 5,320 students entering 4 highly selective institutions in 1988, with attention to probable causes of disproportionate attrition of women. Reasons for high attrition were based on cognitive variables or the perceived "chilly" climate of…

A study of constraints on university faculty productivity in the United States suggests that universities cannot expect major productivity gains without redefining faculty roles in research or teaching. Some economies of scale were found, but they do not necessarily represent increases in value of faculty efforts. (MSE)

A study investigated differences in the length of time taken to earn a doctoral degree in three disciplines--chemistry, English, and psychology. The clearest findings emerged for psychology, where institutional variables affecting time to degree concerned faculty accessibility and department size. (Author/MSE)

A study examined the processes used by 322 college-bound students, in the course of a year, to choose a college. Sources of information, decision-making activities, and college selection criteria were considered. Results indicate shifts in information sources and decision-making activities, differences in higher ability students, and gender…

Analysis of 50 years of Princeton University (New Jersey) annual-giving data found most variation in gift size and percentage of class giving can be explained by models based on reunion attendance, class identity, and fiscal year. These models can reveal trends in giving behavior and exceptional performance of particular classes. (Author/MSE)

To address concerns that universities are overcharging the federal government for indirect costs of research programs, data from seven major research universities were used to simulate a standardization of costs and policies to eliminate differences widely assumed to contribute to rate variation. Results suggest universities are not overcharging…

Issues involved in selecting an administrative strategy for achieving salary equity for men and women in institutions of higher education are discussed. Possible strategies are reviewed and compared based on equity of salary adjustments, political constraints, cost to the institution, and effectiveness in removing inequities. (Author/MSE)

Challenges faced by institutions of higher education when performing institutional research on different continents are examined. The discussion is based on the experiences of two universities with undergraduate programs in foreign countries. Three levels of organizational activity (strategic, managerial, operational) and several information…

A study investigated the effects of an interdisciplinary course on the scientific method on the attitudes of 34 college students toward the paranormal. Results indicated that the course substantially reduced belief in the paranormal, relative to a control group. Student beliefs in their own paranormal powers, however, did not change. (Author/MSE)

A study compared approaches to assessing the influence of student financial aid on within-year persistence of traditional college students. Results indicated that models including tuition were better predictors of persistence, that use of multiple approaches provided more insight into policy's role, and that tuition charges had a consistent…

A study of 78 graduate teaching assistants (GTAs) found that those with exposure to prior training and higher amounts of teaching experience demonstrated higher self-efficacy than those with less training and experience. It is suggested that these factors may increase teaching assistant effectiveness and that both formal and on-the-job training of…

A study compared student responses (n=137) on measures of trustworthiness and attitude when they were either just responding honestly or supposedly applying a graduate school or for a job. Results suggest students would modify their responses in some situations. Implications for use of honesty tests are examined. (MSE)

An approach to identifying and correcting college faculty salary inequities based on gender is presented. Steps include determining whether a problem exists using an objective, legally sound procedure; developing feasible adjustment strategies; and implementing correction and a monitoring process consistent with institutional culture and values.…

A national survey of Latino college sophomores and juniors (n=859) in 224 colleges investigated their perceptions and experiences of the campus environment for talented Hispanic students, peer understanding of Latino culture, discrimination or resistance of Latino presence, and general institutional climate for diversity. (MSE)