Minnesota's large-scale restructuring of public higher education in July 1995 created a 45-institution system that has recently experienced further consolidation of 18 community and technical colleges into ten. Other changes include decentralization, downsizing, and changes in support services. Proposal of another merger has created concern that…

After raising tuition for a number of years, some states are trying to freeze or reduce public college tuition. These changes arise from concern about reduced enrollments and image, and it is hoped that legislatures will respond with increased appropriations. Some critics fear a compromise in educational quality. (MSE)

The Massachusetts college tuition prepayment program has been praised by many as helping families pay for college, but a few elite institutions have not joined, saying the program does not fit their financial aid policies and philosophies. Supporters feel the program could be even stronger if they joined. The plan differs from most state plans by…

Although Georgia officials are moving to close college-admissions loopholes they say allow public colleges to admit many unqualified undergraduates, some black leaders fear enrollments at the state's three public, historically black colleges will suffer. The plan would funnel underprepared students into remedial classes at two-year colleges. (MSE)

The Kentucky governor's plan to remove the state's 14 community colleges from the control of the University of Kentucky and create a new system to administer technical and community colleges has created rancor in the university's community. Many business leaders and presidents of the seven other state universities have endorsed the governor's…

The firing of the director of the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia after a 20-year tenure and similar changes in other states have raised concerns that higher education policy boards face tightened political control. Some Virginia legislators feel the dismissal has left the council with little credibility, and substituted political…

Massachusetts' Board of Higher Education is moving to develop one state higher education institution as an elite campus to draw the state's best students, as Commonwealth College of Massachusetts. Ten institutions are competing for approval of their institutions and models, which include elements such as enhanced curricula and honors programs,…

A committee of the North Carolina Board of Governors will recommend that each state university create or enhance programs to improve campus race relations, engage minority students in campus life, increase numbers of black students and of black doctoral candidates, and achieve higher minority enrollment. Focus is on both recruiting and retaining…