College business schools are trying to help. Karl H. Vesper, professor of management at the University of Washington's business school is a national expert on entrepreneurship programs. Since few business professors have first-hand experience in starting a business, many colleges are bringing local entrepreneurs on campus to teach. While these individuals may not have impressive academic credentials, they do have fresh, tested ideas and techniques to pass on to willing students. In many of the entrepreneurship programs, students are encouraged to identify business opportunities, prepare actual business plans and present them to venture capitalists.
Some students start actual companies while in school, combining theory with practice.
It is clear the students welcome entrepreneurship programs. Business schools that offer these programs are being rewarded with growing enrollments. Colleges Sharing 'Sensitive Information' with Students and Parents Few colleges provide prospective students with detailed information on campus crime or faculty evaluations. College Web sites are changing the ways students and parents can access sensitive data about colleges. Colleges use their Web sites as communication tools, with marketing materials confined to the admission or public information offices.