The University of Montpelier I's 1969 statutes permitting maximum autonomy for the faculties of law and economics, medicine, and pharmacology resulted in a well-established division between the university's constituent parts and an unwillingness to pool resources to effect savings. (MSE)

A discussion of the relationship between the Scottish funding agency for higher education and universities focuses on expectations of the council for lay members of the governing bodies and the appropriateness of those expectations. Whether the state can continue to respect institutional autonomy while seeking greater accountability for public…

In response to changing government philosophy concerning higher education, including increased institutional autonomy alongside greater pressure for accountability and internal renewal, Dutch universities have developed a system for external quality assessment under the aegis of the Association of Dutch Universities. Its evolution and results to…

Public college and university administrators are concerned about steady erosion of immunities and tort caps traditionally relied upon for protection against lawsuits. In this context, institutions must consider their protection in these areas: extension of protection to all employees; scope of employment; nongovernmental functions; foundations and…

Examines issues of institutional autonomy, academic freedom, and theology in the intellectual life of the Catholic university in the context of "Ex Corde Ecclesiae," the Papal constitution on higher education. Concludes that the church's mandate need not be problematic for American Catholic colleges and universities. (Author/MSE)

This background paper examines the place of community colleges within the overall organization of postsecondary education and the means for governing these institutions in each of the western United States. First, introductory material defines institutional governance and the role it plays in defining the role and mission of community colleges.…

A discussion of common practices in and literature about faculty recruitment and selection concludes that (1) little has been written about the process or issues, (2) great reliance is put on personal judgment, and (3) each institution controls the selection process exclusively. (MSE)

Government, through its legislative, executive, and judicial arms, has exceeded the appropriate involvement in institutional affairs. Universities have the ability and the responsibility to diminish government intrusiveness by developing internal mechanisms of accountability. (Author/MSE)

The evolution of the current relationship between state governments and institutions of higher education is chronicled, focusing on the oversight role taken on by the state in the interest of providing services and facilities for the public good. The place of student outcomes assessment in this relationship is examined. (MSE)

The quality assessment process for Australian universities is examined, including its impact on quality improvement, whether judging quality at the institutional level is too coarse a measure to give accurate results, some alternatives, and whether the whole institution approach may lead to greater external interference in institutional affairs.…

In both Senegal and Uganda, higher education reform will occur only if the universities have more administrative and fiscal autonomy. A shift from government participation in governance, enrollment, and use of resources in favor of more indirect control is recommended. However, the specific policy approaches recommended for the two countries…

An examination of trends in university-government relationships in Canada looks briefly at the situations in five provinces recently undergoing reviews of their higher education systems (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba), and details the circumstances in Ontario, which has the largest provincial system of higher…

Discussion of Scottish higher education looks at the university funding mechanism, issues in finding the balance between autonomy and accountability, institutional mission and legal position, and the larger context of European higher education. It is concluded that universities should relate their needs to specific missions in support of claims…

Discussion of fiscal management in the reformed higher education systems of Eastern/Central Europe begins with analysis of reform attempts in two British universities and relates them to Eastern and Central European issues. It is argued that institutions must adopt a holistic approach to managing change and for addressing various staff, structure,…

Examines issues in institutional autonomy of universities, including necessary limitations on autonomy and alternatives to government-controlled constraints. Notes five forces (competition, public opinion concerning educational quality, consumer power, the need to serve multiple constituencies, and multiple-source funding) that may exert…