Three position papers, originally presented at a special symposium of economists and educators, are presented concerning the policy impact that the changing economic environment will have on colleges and universities in the financing of higher education in the United States. The position papers are: "The University and the Reemergence of Economic Individualism" (Lawrence B. Lindsey); "The U.S. Economy and Higher Education" (Richard S. Eckaus); and "Higher Education in a Changing Environment: Some Scholarly and Economic Imperatives" (Harold T. Shapiro). In addition, these papers are assessed and interpreted by several of today's recognized authorities in higher education. Their presentations and commentaries focus on the understanding of the relationship between the macroeconomy and higher education and in recognizing the need to begin preparing for necessary changes that will impact the economic (and academic) health of America's institutions of higher education. Contains 17 references. (GLR)