Colleges and universities should help prepare an able, intelligent, motivated workforce, provide problem-solving services to business, and provide opportunities for individuals to better themselves. New conditions require that it also prepare for the global economy, advancing technology, an increasingly diverse population, and minority educational…

After the 5-year period of disruption on U.S. campuses, administrators must work at winning back public support of higher education. (HS)

Three studies of public perceptions of higher education are summarized. Results show that while higher education enjoys elements of support from both the general public and community leaders, the support is shaky. In addition, the two groups differ substantially in their understanding of the academic world and in their evaluation of higher…

The U.S. public has an intense, contradictory attitude toward higher education. On one hand, they expect universities to be "relevant," and on the other hand, they like them to offer "reflective" environments. A formerly little-acknowledged world, academe is suddenly on perpetual display. However, there are indications that it is reclaiming its…

The author argues that despite difficulties of implementation, meeting the public interest remains a worthy goal and needed criterion for higher education. His suggested public interest concept stresses consideration of the interest of society as a whole, not derived solely from the sum of individual interests. (JT)

Every presidency is a unique situation depending on the characteristics of the person in office, the campus, past and present public expectations of a college president, and many other factors, and not on power and influence. (MSE)

The increasing demand for accountability involves both a demand for cost-effective management and a demand for proof that objectives are being met. It is suggested that the public has difficulty understanding quality in higher education because it is not familiar with the language of quality. (LBH)

Community colleges are suffering unnecessarily from an inferiority complex, but are in fact a vast, growing force in higher education. These colleges need an institutional consciousness-raising and to assert their educational and social strength. (MSE)

A survey of 167 college and university presidents found that while the administrators have strong views on controversial political issues or partisan politics, they often do not express them publicly because of their identification with an institution. The dissonance between personal feelings and public role creates serious inner conflict, a topic…

Internal and external changes that are likely to occur in higher education in the future are explored, including changes in financing, enrollment, faculties, governance, public scrutiny, and curriculum. Actions and attitudes that will strengthen higher education are pointed out. (Author/LBH)

Opinions and beliefs about higher education held by governors of 35 states are reported. It is noted that the better that colleges and universities understand what is expected of them by state officials, the better able higher education institutions are to make their cases effectively. (Author/LBH)

Institutional autonomy is discussed in terms of: (1) what functions society expects higher education to perform: (2) the effect of institutional dependence on public financing; and (3) the social importance of higher education. (LBH)

The performance model of administration, not a resource model, is what is needed for colleges and universities to thrive in an environment of budget cuts and lowered public trust. Continuous improvement of the efficiency and effectiveness of operational processes demonstrates quality management principles such as those embodied in the Total…

Student loan debt levels are discussed in relation to borrowing patterns, educational opportunity, and cost-effectiveness of a college education; and common concerns about debt level are examined. It is concluded that while student indebtedness is high, these concerns are out of proportion to reality and reflect inappropriate assumptions about…

Specific areas in higher education where congressional and administrative emphases are changing and where improved academic communications could clarify the Federal role. (Editor/IR)