There are few firm consequences for students who don't take the exams, though in New York City, students could lose access to elite middle and high schools that use the exams in admissions decisions.

WSJ: State Tests Spark Ire, Analysis

Nor was it to be solely a research facility. (Stanford has one at Peking University, in Beijing.) Faculty members across the country would share videoconference screens, and students in New York would be able to take online classes based in Palo Alto.

NEWYORKER: Get Rich U.

And earlier this year more than 20 New Hampshire colleges, including Dartmouth, promised to encourage their students to vote in, and generally take part in the life of, their local communities.

ECONOMIST: Town and gown: Charity moves off-campus | The