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A future faculty shortage problem in science and engineering areas is discussed. The trends of enrollment of undergraduate and graduate student by field are described. Data on current faculty, faculty vacancy rates, and faculty characteristics are presented and discussed. The characteristics include the citizenship, age, sex, and ethnic background of faculty members. Future demands are discussed by field and institution. It is concluded that time to institute a policy change is running out for the United States. Now is the last possible moment to begin to recruit U.S. students (and, particularly women and minority students) to prepare for faculty careers in the 1990s and beyond. Statistical data are provided for many variables. Lists 22 references. (YP)

Three papers on attracting reentry women to engineering and technology are presented. The first paper, "Encouraging Older Women as Engineering Students," discusses the opportunities, the problems, and suggested actions for women pursuing engineering careers. The second paper, "Industrial Programs for Reentry Opportunities for Women as Engineers," discusses an employer program to encourage suitable women employees to study engineering and a company program with local colleges of engineering and engineering technology for both employees and older women throughout the local area. The third paper, "Encouraging Reentry Women as Engineering Technology Students," discusses the opportunities for women in engineering technology careers, problems encountered by students, and suggested actions for deans of engineering technology programs. (JH)

Problems and opportunities posed for liberal arts colleges by the current political concern for educating students for high technology industries are considered. Recent reports on education, high technology, employment, and economic growth are concerned with the competitive position of the United States versus other industrialized nations, especially Japan. These reports also suggest the need to develop scientific and technological leadership, as well as a technically sophisticated work force capable of producing new products. Attracting students into science and engineering fields, setting higher standards in these disciplines, and building close university-industry relations have also been emphasized. It is claimed that the educational basis for economic prosperity in the future will still depend on analytical skills, creativity, communication skills, a knowledge of major social institutions, and sensitivity to ethical issues. The following suggestions are offered: (1) more serious attention should be paid to defining "scientific and technological literacy" and then giving it a central place in the curriculum; and (2) effort should be directed to prepare students for a world of international dependence and to be perceptive citizens of large social, economic, and political institutions. A list of associations of private colleges is appended. (SW)

Concerns of the academic and business communities regarding science and technology in the United States are addressed. The Harris Poll found that there are signs that American people are viewing science as a more positive force than ever before. A majority is convinced that even if it brings no immediate benefits, scientific research, which advances the frontiers of knowledge, is a necessary human endeavor worth supporting. A plurality of the public agree that colleges and universities have fallen far behind in their ability to conduct basic scientific research and to properly train young scientists and engineers. As for the scientific reputation of universities, 12 percent of the public felt the federal government had the most creative atmosphere for scientific research, 22 percent said industry, 27 percent mentioned foundations, and 41 percent singled out universities. It is suggested that a poor job has been done in arousing and awakening the American people or the Congress to the urgency of restoring the basic teaching and research capability in science and engineering on college campuses. It is proposed that business become heavily involved in upgrading universities' capacity to teach and conduct basic research. On the other hand, universities need to reconstruct their research and teaching capability in science and engineering. Perspectives on the economy and the public's perspectives regarding business are also considered. (SW)