Blue ribbon commissions in the United States from 1965-1983 are discussed with attention to what makes a commission effective, the history of blue ribbon commissions, features of a commission, whether these commissions are useful on campus, and criticisms of blue ribbon commissions. Factors that contribute to the effectiveness of a blue ribbon commission include: attainability of commission objectives, adequacy of the amount of time allotted for the study; number of times commissioners meet; accessibility of commissioners to persons wishing to comment; and sufficiency of the number of staff. Features of a blue ribbon commission are: a predetermined life span, eminent individuals from a variety of backgrounds, staff and funds to assist in fulfilling its charge, and a charge to investigate and/or to recommend changes in structures, functions, origins, or processes. Blue ribbon commissions are helpful on campus when a fresh view is needed about a specific issue, when a college wants to develop ties with, or serve, a sector outside the college, and when a college seeks to start a planning agenda to become a leader in a region or among similar colleges. (SW)