The relationship between theory and application and the role of the university in the discovery and solution of contemporary social problems are discussed in this special issue. The social sciences must respond directly to pressing social issues. (RM)

The distinction between college policy and administration may sometimes be fine but is essential for presidents and boards to understand. Two-way commmunication and consideration are important; trustees and presidents must work together and keep each other informed. (MSE)

The composition, mandate, and activities of the Council of Universities of Quebec since its origin in 1969 as an advisory board to the department of education are described and characterized in terms of university autonomy and government responsibility. It is found to be, by its nature, unstable in its authority. (MSE)

Recent activities of the funding and policy-formation agencies in Dutch higher education are discussed, focusing on efforts toward a five-year plan based on a 10 percent general budget cut and substantial redistribution of programs among the universities. Aspects of the decision-making process and agency interrelationships are examined. (MSE)

The development of free tuition policy at the City University of New York is traced, focusing on four phases of the policy cycle: initiation, implementation, evaluation, and termination. This study was intended to add to general models of the policy termination process now in circulation. (MLW)

Presents a review of the history, advantages, and disadvantages of Great Britain's full-cost policy for overseas students. Discusses the institutional policy and provision for students from abroad on the part of the last educational system. (SB)

Ten recommendations for development of institutional policy for termination in cases of financial exigency are outlined. Two recommendations are procedural; others pertain to the specific content of the policy, including definition of terms, making distinctions between program redirection and financial exigency, criteria and procedures for…

Analysis of a school district where merit pay has existed for 30 years and a more general review of other merit pay proposals led to the disclosure of eight critical issues to be considered before the actual implementation of merit pay programs. (MLF)

Higher education lobbyists in Washington work as liaisons between their institutions and the federal government. The experiences of several lobbyists are described. Lobbying is seen as a game of knowing the people who can help and showing the legislators how a side of an issue benefits them. (MLW)

Suggestions are presented to help vocational education programs become effective lobbyists: decide what you want, choose the appropriate forum, take a position, review current laws, know what is allowed, identify your leaders, form a network, cultivate legislative leaders, take part in hearings, provide information, testify, and build working…

New approaches to international borrowing for education which maximize economic growth and minimize the unfavorable international climate for development assistance are discussed. Specific suggestions are made for identifying the areas where such aid would be most effective, as well as better ways to develop cooperation between lenders and…

It is unwise to give even a philosophically competent school head the power to set curriculum policy. In a democratic society that power should be held by the community rather than by technocrats because of the possibility of authoritarian abuse by specialists not accountable to the larger community. (IS)

Proposes a framework for determining whether federal, state, or local governments should perform certain functions in education. Applies this framework to two areas--curriculum reform and enhanced educational opportunities for children with special needs--and suggests directions for federal policy in these areas. (GC)

A methodology is described for conducting qualitative research on gender issues in education. Qualitative research, a critical step for achieving the global Education For All (EFA) goals, will assist identifying the issues, analyzing the contents, and formulating viable policy. "Gender" refers to the social roles and responsibilities that belong…

Record budget cuts--more than 10 percent of state appropriations in some cases--and explosive enrollments have coincided with tough times for many state institutions. Staffs have been pared, faculty members are teaching more than ever, courses have been reduced to the minimum, and long-delayed maintenance continues to be set aside. These budget…