Fourteen magazine articles pertaining to the state of the liberal arts are presented. After an introduction by Ted Pease, "Poet or Plumber?" (Pat Blakely) considers the value of a liberal arts degree. "CLA Profile" summarizes results of a study of College of Liberal Arts students and features five CLA students, while "The Returns Are In..." (Mary Paul) describes the results of a survey of the 332 alumni of the 1973 CLA graduating class. "New Faces" (Lynnette McIntire) considers the nontraditional students (Blacks, Native Americans, and older students) who are increasingly entering the University of Minnesota. "Curriculum Catharsis" (Kate Carter) examines trends in curriculum reform, and presents views of Clarke Chambers, while "Academic Trench Rot" (Jeff Goldberg) considers implications of tenure and issues pertaining to academic freedom. "Sweeping the Guggenheims" (Theresa Levy) features CLA faculty who won Guggenheim Fellowships. Additional articles and authors are as follows: "The Force of Will" (Lynnette McIntire); "The Research Race" (Allison Mucha); "Uncovering a Culture" (Allison Mucha); "The Money Mess" (Susan Sherry); "Go to the Head of the Class" (Mary Paul); "Real World Classrooms" (Steve Madsen); and "Far from the Crowd" (Stephanie Leckband and Ellen Bralower). (SW)