A recently released National Institute of Education publication about the state of U.S. undergraduate education that gives 27 suggestions for their improvement is summarized and discussed. A number of criticisms are offered, including lack of documentation. (MSE)

The traditional relationship between a bachelor's degree and the preferred occupational slots in the nation's labor markets is seen as having weakened or collapsed in numerous fields. The general trend in this decade has been away from disciplinary majors toward "vocational" ones. (MLW)

Trends in undergraduate, graduate, and professional enrollment in public and private colleges since 1976 are charted, and the changes in salient student characteristics are discussed, including the increase in the proportion of part-time and female students. The role of institutional efforts to cultivate new constituencies is emphasized. (MSE)