In early 2003, Public Agenda surveyed 503 Californians statewide to determine their attitudes toward higher education. In addition, two focus groups were held in Santa Clara, California. Statewide surveys had also been conducted in 1993 and 1996. In many ways, the attitudes of Californians were similar to those of respondents to a national survey.…

This study reports the results of confidential, in-depth interviews with 29 business, education, and community leaders in California to determine their attitudes toward the higher education needs of the state. The interviews examined areas of consensus and controversy in many facets of higher education policy. The most important findings included:…