The author discusses background to the current problems of higher education. Analysis is given about strengths and weakness with which higher education faces the future. The major strength is the universities ability for constructive adaptation to changing circumstances. (DE)

The variety of conventional and creative responses of U.S. higher education institutions to declining enrollments and related educational change is outlined, and the shift in the role of state governments in higher education is discussed. (MSE)

Under the Master Plan of 1960, California was the first state to provide universal access to higher education for all high school graduates. Despite great success at all levels, higher education in California is now facing a crisis. National and state-wide recessions have reduced resources while potential enrollment is sharply increasing from…