VIRGINIA BRIEFING

STATE SUPREME COURT

College's Decision to Admit Men Challenged

The Virginia Supreme Court has heard arguments in two cases challenging the decision of a women's college to start enrolling men last fall.

Randolph College in Lynchburg was formerly known as Randolph-Macon Woman's College. An attorney for nine female students told the court yesterday that the change amounted to a breach of contract, because promotional materials and admission letters advertised the college as an all-female institution.

However, an attorney for the college argued that promotional materials do not constitute a binding contract.

In the second case, an attorney for some students and donors said donations that were intended to support a women's college cannot be spent on coeducation.

A Lynchburg judge had dismissed both lawsuits. A state Supreme Court decision is expected in June.

-- Associated Press

VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY

Barnes & Noble to Manage College Bookstores

Barnes & Noble has made a five-year deal with Virginia Commonwealth University to manage the school's two bookstores. Barnes & Noble College Booksellers will run the stores after renovating them.

The new stores will offer an expanded selection of general reading books, magazines, gifts and VCU clothing as well as textbooks, school supplies, and computer software and accessories.

Barnes & Noble will provide a Web site for 24-hour shopping. Director Diane Reynolds of VCU Business Services said the company also will launch an online system that will enable students to order books when they register online for courses.

Barnes & Noble replaces Follett Corp., which managed the VCU Bookstores for 12 years.

-- Associated Press