Search

This paper discusses the legal precedents that have supported the official recognition of homosexual organizations by universities and colleges. Among the court cases that are reviewed are the following: (1) Brandenburg v. Ohio (1969), which ruled that expressions not inciting unlawful behavior may not be subject to government restraint; (2) Healy v. James (1972) and Wood v. Davison (1972), which ruled that First Amendment rights of freedom of association applied to students, and as a result, official university recognition was necessary to protect that right; (3) Gay Students Organization of the University of New Hampshire v. Bonner (1974), which ruled that mere speculation of future illegal activity was an insufficient reason for regulation by the university; and (4) Gay Rights Coalition of Georgetown University (1981, 1983) and Gay Rights Coalition v. Georgetown University (1987), a nearly decade long struggle which culminated in the decision that the Catholic university had denied recognition of the association based on the groups' sexual orientation, not just because the groups' purposes and activities conflicted with Catholic doctrine. It is concluded that, based on these court cases and others, the courts will not allow college and university administrators to control the philosophical nature of student organizations nor the lifestyles of those individuals with whose ideas they disagree. Contains seven references. (GLR)

This report presents viewpoints and arguments made during a meeting of higher education administrators who were assembled to discuss ways that Associations of College Unions-International (ACU-I) and its members can communicate the union's mission as campus community builder. The overall focus of the meeting comes from the Carnegie Foundation's "Campus Life: In Search of Community" which presents college unions and activities as with a unique opportunity to strengthen their position as the community center and unifying force on campus. Participants were the following: Winston Shindell, Association of College Unions-International (ACU-I) president; Richard Blackburn, ACU-I executive director; William Brattain, assistant vice-president for student services at Western Illinois University; Frank Cianciola, director of the Michigan Union at the University of Michigan; Ted Crabb, director of the Wisconsin Union at the University of Wisconsin, Madison; Martha Dawson, vice president of academic affairs at Hampton University; Larry Huffman, president of Kankakee Community College; William Johnston, director of Southern Methodist University's Hughes-Trigg Student Center; Bruce Kaiser, director of Northwestern University's Norris University Center; Norman F. Moore, vice chancellor for student services at Louisiana State University; and Elizabeth Nuss, executive director of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators. (GLR)

This report presents the viewpoints and arguments made during a meeting of higher education administrators who were assembled to discuss how college unions and student activities contribute to a sense of community on campus. The report compares how the union and activities profession views itself with how others perceive it, as well as relating the basic tenets of "The Role of the College Union" to the six principles of community as outlined in the Carnegie Foundation's "Campus Life: In Search of Community." Participants were the following: Winston Shindell, Association of College Unions--International (ACU-I) president; Richard Blackburn, ACU-I executive director; William Brattain, assistant vice-president for student services at Western Illinois University; Frank Cianciola, director of the Michigan Union at the University of Michigan; Ted Crabb, director of the Wisconsin Union at the University of Wisconsin, Madison; Martha Dawson, vice president of academic affairs at Hampton University; Larry Huffman, president of Kankakee Community College; William Johnston, director of Southern Methodist University's Hughes-Trigg Student Center; Bruce Kaiser, director of Northwestern University's Norris University Center; Norman F. Moore, vice chancellor for student services at Louisiana State University; and Elizabeth Nuss, executive director of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators. (GLR)

Student unions of the 80's struggled to try to find the proper balance between service and education while meeting financial requirements as institutional support began to ebb. Upgrading food service, serving alcoholic beverages, and offering packaged events and mini-courses were all used to serve the needs of the student population as well as bolster revenue. As budgets tightened, university administrators were directing college unions to pay their own way. Unions began accepting corporate support to survive and contracting became popular, but financial burdens were still high. Private businesses are raising unfair competition issues and asking for closer scrutiny of college union enterprises by the Federal government. Today, many private sector contractors are operating union services. Today's college unions are facing some major problems, among them are space shortages and a loss of mission. The pendulum has swung in favor of financial and operational goals and away from being a unifying force in building a campus community. In the '90s, college unions must reaffirm their legitimacy as an integral part of higher education. (GLR)

College union administrators should be careful about the use of facilities, particularly in public schools, because of the potential for legal liability. Institutions of higher education today are vulnerable to being sued in regard to issues of free speech, trespass, and religion. Areas of potential liability include (1) serving alcoholic beverages, (2) certain potentially physically harmful activities, e.g., trampolining, (3) structural hazards such as holes in athletic fields and dangerous staircases (particularly a problem when students have become inebriated), and (4) violations of First Amendment rights. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, although not strongly applying to private schools, is very applicable to public schools. Attempts to restrain, for example, the exercise of free speech during demonstrations, or the banning of activities of certain religious groups must be carefully considered. Additionally, in matters of student discipline, if the institution acts irresponsibly, a violation of the Fourteenth Amendment is possible. Risk management techniques are considered necessary for all college and university administrators in avoiding legal liability. Ten suggestions are provided on improving the institution's prospects if sued. Contains 3 references. (GLR)

The role of the college student union is discussed in this review of what makes a union successful. It is suggested that the truly successful one combines the concepts of unifying force, common meeting ground, and community in order to educate as well as generate revenue. Issues considered include: hiring and training employees; competition with local businesses; matching activities with student interests; diversity of programs to combat racism and changing demographics of college student bodies; facility space; bans on alcohol; safety and security issues (e.g., date rape, AIDS, smoking bans); food service; revenue generation services (e.g., copy centers, video stores); and outlook for the future. (LB)

The future of Greek letter organizations on campus and the effects of demographic trends and societal changes are considered. In the last decade, Greek membership has increased despite the decrease in students between the ages of 18 and 24 entering college full-time. Greek chapters are primarily at four-year institutions and their members are mainly the traditional age full-time students. In 1984 more than 55% of students in higher education were at community colleges, and nearly 43% were enrolled part-time. There has also been a decline in freshmen entering college directly from high school. Demographic trends also affect residence halls, which in turn affect Greek membership. Greek chapters are suffering from a lack of alumni to provide guidance, financial support, and networking. Topics of concern include: the influence of little sister/little brother organizations as adjuncts to collegiate sororities and fraternities; the use of gender education to improve the image of Greek chapters; the academic aspects of student life; and the problems of substance and alcohol abuse among Greek chapter members. (SW)

Campus issues and trends identified by college union and student activities administrators are considered. The major college issue is alcohol and its impact on the campus. Since all but eight states have adopted the 21 drinking age, there are many administrative concerns, including monitoring campus alcohol service and finding alternatives for pub income. Alcohol education efforts have increased, and local and university police are active in enforcing the drinking age. Students are highly oriented toward degree completion and employment, and are more difficult to attract to leadership positions and organized campus activities. While students are less interested in bowling and craft shops, they enjoy comedy, films, performing arts, videos, and impersonating popular performers. Sources of income for unions include the copy center, automatic teller machines, video game machines, pay phones, and computer lounges. There continues to be a trend toward fast-food franchises in the college union, and many unions have experienced declines in food service sales. Special projects to encourage private giving to the union are having success. Union management concerns include a shortage of physical facilities. (SW)