In the 1980s, European governments began to intervene strongly in their higher education systems resulting from (1) a shift from social demand-driven to expenditure-driven policies; (2) pressures for greater internal efficiency; and (3) new emphasis on evaluation. Policy changes in Britain, France, and the Netherlands illustrate this situation.…

Independent colleges and universities are becoming more inclined toward a highly centralized source of support--the federal government--subjecting themselves to an influential leveling medium. Federal support then begins the process of molding institutions into a collective or tribal state and the private identity gives way to sameness. (LBH)

Five changes in state politics are especially relevant to state universities' lobbying strategies: scarcer resources, greater government responsibility, citizens less supportive of government, more frequent use of referenda for policy decisions, and more complex interest group and campaign technology. State institutions must adjust their…

In advocating the establishment of a cabinet-level Department of Education, the authors contend that the nation needs stronger leadership than is currently possible to organize the abundance of educational policies and programs. Such a plan was proposed by Jimmy Carter during his presidential campaign. (LBH)

In any public university system, the relationship between the state's demands for utility and accountability and the universities' needs for academic freedom and autonomy create serious tensions. Coordinating boards have not reached the positive potential that was foreseen in the author's book "Statewide Coordination of Higher Education." (MLW)

A survey of 75 college and university presidents concerning their attitudes toward federal regulation found that presidents do not feel overly burdened in terms of such indicators as time, need for legal staff, and number of lawsuits. Areas of concern included alleged discrimination, the environment, and student loan reporting requirements. (DB)

Campus chief executive officers are encouraged to become involved in the federal regulatory process, because regulations can be more significant to the affected parties than the laws that engendered them; thus, the regulatory drafting process offers another opportunity to offer guidance and to persuade. (DB)

Self-regulation has been suggested as an alternative to government regulation and its attendant problems. An outline is offered of what self-regulation by institutions could mean, what forms it might take, and the kind of cooperation and commitment that will be necessary for such a project to work. (Author/LBH)

University presidents must join other leaders in society in attacking problems confronting the U.S. They must become more involved in public policy formation by serving on important community, state, and national projects; by involving outside leaders in academic decisions; by serving on boards and commissions; and by working with public…

It is essential for a campus to designate a representative to develop a program for both disseminating information to legislators and cultivating good relations with state governments. This person should know area legislators and should work with them to prepare annual programs of activities for members of the general assembly. (MLW)

The 1980s were the decade when the theme of "inclusiveness" characterized college campuses. The 1990s' challenge to universities is to remember higher education's mission in the face of increasing collaboration with government and business; to affirm the principle that truth is power and not the reverse; and to be selective in…

A discussion of higher education in Latin America looks at recent major political changes, the economic situation, the historic relationship between higher education and the political establishment, the inconsistency of U.S. policies toward Latin America, and the potential for U.S.-Latin American university linkages afforded by the current…

Higher education has two main needs of Congress: the need for student aid and the need for increased and sustained scientific research support. The problem is that ever-more-aggressive competition for earmarked funds does not necessarily generate additional resources for institutions to share. (MLW)

Suggestions for college presidents when they visit Congress include get to know congressmen before asking them for something; be considerate of a representative's time; know the legislative interests of those visited; be prepared to assist congressional member needs; get to know the staff; work with education associations; etc. (MLW)

Ways are suggested for institutions of higher education to articulate standards before the federal government determines them. A self-regulating mechanism is proposed that requires no massive effort, just a commitment to establish standards wherever they are needed. (Author/LBH)