Unilateral institutional development of commercially available distance learning programs and courses is an unlikely scenario for liberal arts colleges, according to some conference attendees, though partnerships with commercial providers were not ruled out. Some institutions are forming alliances with commercial businesses to develop online courses, a phenomenon that worries some faculty members concerned about slippage in academic rigor and quality. Proponents of commercial distance learning programs argue that e-learning is coming regardless of whether or not traditional colleges and universities participate. Citing the high cost of doing business generally in the field of higher education, many feel that commercial distance learning ventures will provide a significant revenue stream. Middlebury College, New Mexico, Alaska, and Oxford.
Testing is in the news.
New York Times columnist Brent Staples speculated in a July 9 editorial page piece that the growth in the number of colleges that no longer require SAT scores signals a backlash against the use of the test in college admissions. A Times story that ran on July 3 described sixth graders stressed out over the arduous college admission process that lies ahead, and the need to prepare well for the all-important SATs. William Hiss, of Bates, says that SAT scores have been too big a part of the admissions process at prestigious colleges. He cites a study that shows no correlation between SAT performance and grade point averages at Bates. Students who apply for admission to Middlebury are not required to submit scores on the SAT I, which is the test most often required by colleges.