America's regional public universities (RPUs) serve a unique role as the portal through which so many students and the nation's future workforce gain the skills needed to face the economic challenges of the 21st century. RPU programs offer 4.9 million students, who are increasingly of color, low income, first generation, and working adults, the…

Three principles underlying Chinese academic freedom and university autonomy are discussed: (1) given the socialist nature of Chinese education, education must provide support for socialist modernization, with all activities undertaken in society's interest; (2) universities have legal status to manage their internal affairs; (3) faculty can…

In the next century, universities must remain or become the forums for reflection. Major aims are to achieve true democratization, promote access to higher education, and preserve and strengthen quality. The university must continue to adapt to and introduce change as it has in its long history, but without neglecting all the elements that make it…

In Thailand, university autonomy has varied over time and by institution type. Because of their history, universities and faculty are respected and accorded much freedom, and also depended upon as sources of information and opinion aimed at achieving balance and social justice. In a May 1992 national crisis, universities combined voices…

Cooperation between universities in northern and southern hemispheres in the current economic and geopolitical climate is discussed. The relationship between Canadian universities and the government is chronicled, and mechanisms of international cooperation are analyzed. Certain ethical principles are proposed as a framework for Canadian…

Issues of institutional accountability for colleges and universities are examined in the American and European contexts, particularly as market forces gain importance in Europe. Varying forms of accountability (formal, through accreditation; financial; and academic) and two dimensions of accountability (external vs. internal, legal vs. financial)…

The history of Moroccan universities established in the French colonial tradition is reviewed briefly, and two types of gains in academic freedom and autonomy in recent years are discussed: those made collectively by universities in relation to the central political authority, and those made by individual institutions in relation to each other.…

The relationship between state governments and higher education institutions is analyzed, based on findings of research conducted in 25 states. After considering the multiple higher education institutions and their post-World War II development in the various states, the book reviews major studies concerned with state government and college…

This paper offers reflections on the role of the agricultural university in developing nations by analyzing in turn the factors that contribute to stagnation of these universities. It first takes up the policy conditions that govern the broad outlines of the agricultural university mandate such as the university's relationship with the ministry of…

A description, analysis, and assessment of diversity in American higher education is offered based on data collected since 1960 from more than 600 colleges and universities. The value of different kinds of colleges is discussed in chapter one, followed by discussions of what makes institutions different, how colleges are becoming more alike, ways…

This paper examines the pace of economic and social change in the Pacific Rim region, discussing the role that universities should play in mediating such change. It addresses five major issues pertaining to the role of universities: (1) the individual university's role in human resource development; (2) the relationship between universities and…

Criteria for self-study by public college governing boards are presented. For each criterion, questions are presented, along with three response options: "yes,""no," and "do not know or can not judge." A response option for judging the board's overall performance on each criterion is also included. In addition, brief introductory comments for each…

Hong Kong universities' purpose has historically been to fulfill colonial labor force needs for economic growth. The 1997 shift in Hong Kong's sovereignty to China will bring changes in higher education's direction and philosophy, probably characterized by greater emphasis on scientific, technological, and cultural exchange with other countries…

Criteria for self-study for governing boards of public multicampus higher education systems are presented. For each criterion, questions are presented, along with three response options: "yes,""no," and "do not know or can not judge." A response option for judging the board's overall performance on each criterion is also included. The criteria are…