One study after another shows American students ranking behind their international counterparts in the STEM fields--science, technology, engineering, and math. Business people such as Bill Gates warn that this alarming situation puts the United States at a serious disadvantage in the high-tech global marketplace of the twenty-first century, and…

In a world where advanced knowledge is widespread and low-cost labor is readily available, U.S. advantages in the marketplace and in science and technology have begun to erode. A comprehensive and coordinated federal effort is urgently needed to bolster U.S. competitiveness and pre-eminence in these areas. This congressionally requested report by…

Although college trustees have traditionally had limited interest in institutional financial aid policy, they should increase their awareness in this area. As competition for students intensifies and federal and state aid policies change, governing boards must realign policies with institutional mission. Merit awards are used increasingly to…

This article argues that, rather than raising the salaries of college presidents, thus widening the salary gap with faculty and possibly creating ill will, governing boards can provide better, long-term supplemental retirement programs that offer maximum reward, security, and control. This strategy can assist in recruitment and retention of…

Higher education marketing is about to enter a new stage of sophistication, responsibility, and status as consumer pressure increases competition. To develop more effective marketing plans, trustees need in-depth knowledge of their institutions, understand the power of the consumer to shape higher education, and anticipate more complex and…

Students, their families, and the public want better service from higher education institutions. Some institutions may have to revamp various operations to improve substantially. Key to re-engineering is the president's ability to communicate the need to improve the institution's competitive position and performance. Enrollment retention levels…

[New England Resource Center for Higher Education's] NERCHE's think tank members recently participated in a discussion of the competitive forces driving change in higher education. The discussion, facilitated by The Futures Project: Policy for Higher Education in a Changing World (www.futuresproject.org), revealed tremendous concern among faculty…