Discussed is the new conservatism that is reflected in American economic circles today. Economists and organizations that are responsible for this new vitality in procapitalist economics are highlighted, including Arthur Laffer, Milton Friedman, William Allen, and Frederich Hayek. (JMD)

Recent policy changes and conflicts within Australian higher education hold some lessons for other countries. States are encouraged to take an active and early role in planning to avoid confusion, especially by beginning planning before budget cuts are taken. (MSE)

Reactions to the Heritage Foundation report on the federal role in postsecondary education include "Reagan, Regulations, and Relief" (Sheldon Steinbach); "Balancing the Governed and the Government" (Robert M. Rosenzweig); and "Principles in the Debate on Regulation" (Robert C. Andringa). A summary of the foundation…

Basic public funding for American colleges and universities has developed historically as a state function. The reasons for that approach have disappeared and the federal government must recognize its responsibility for the support of higher education. (MLW)

In a reaction to an article by Chester E. Finn, Jr., it is contended that federal dollars have provided the essential margin that makes for quality and gives institutions more independence. Loss of federal dollars would not be taken up by the states or the private sector. (MLW)

Ronald Reagan's effect on higher education as governor of California and what effect he might have on U.S. colleges and universities if elected president are described. Three points are discussed: deep conservatism of Reagan, his passivity, and Reagan's relative disinterest in higher education. (MLW)

John Anderson's record on higher education is seen as offering little insight to his philosophy. His platform is said to devote as much space to international education and language studies as to student aid or research. He sees present regulatory practices as having hampered institutions of higher learning. (MLW)

The National Academy of Education is described as a loose federation of prominent educational and social science researchers, which has never pretended to be a think tank or a lobbying organization. Its influence is indirectly felt through the prestige and quality research of its members. (MLW)

A discussion of the influence of Britain's prime minister, Margaret Thatcher, on higher education looks at the relationship between the administrator's 10 years in office and the fiscal, educational, and public policy issues currently under debate. (MSE)

In a response to an article by Chester Finn, it is agreed that a revolution is at hand in domestic social policy. Higher education institutions need flexibility and adaptability to meet shifting needs. Federal student aid programs are seen as having been extended too far. (MLW)

The decade of the 1970s saw the evolution of a regulatory society and a growth in the degree of external oversight of higher education by elected officials. Achieving balanced governance in the 1980s centers around a leadership role at the state higher education coordinating level. (MLW)

Public Interest Research Groups on college campuses and a clearinghouse on academic research projects in the public interest sponsored by the Center for Study of Responsive Law are described. They expose students to government procedures and social problem analysis as a means of encouraging students to become active citizens. (JMF)

The relationship between the federal government and higher education is examined with focus on federal aid and especially federal regulations. Justifications for the federal regulatory role and suggestions for improving the relationship by both higher education and the government are offered. (JMD)

The Clinton administration's proposed national service program for college students receiving federal financial aid is examined from a labor-market perspective. It is proposed that national service and higher education be linked more formally than in the current proposal, avoiding considerable bureaucracy and potentially improving program quality.…

Some national initiatives taken by the Department of Education to demonstrate its commitment to international education are discussed. What is needed is a conscious effort to overhaul the educational experience by taking a fresh look at existing curricular offerings, at textbooks, at syllabi, and at the quality of language teaching. (MLW)