The special consideration given to academics in American higher education creates a relatively closed political environment that increases higher education's resistance to change and diversification. However, since in this system the consumer has recognized rights, more study should be made of the interplay of consumers, academics, and political…

It is argued that colleges and universities need to understand the importance of customer service in student retention, particularly in a competitive marketplace. Customer service concepts that work in the private sector are seen as useful in higher education, and a model is proposed. (MSE)

It is proposed that one external force, consumerism, is determining what happens in colleges and universities. The new market for higher education is dominated by students who make choices in a very different way from traditional students. Current students seek credentials and want practical knowledge in an easily consumed package. (MSE)

Delineates the cases for and against the privatization of government information and describes the various forms privatization has taken in the United States and other countries. Major studies and positions are evaluated, current U.S. policy is critiqued, and recommendations for further action and discussion are offered. (31 references)…

One of a series of studies related to the Delphi research project: "Policy Instruments for Higher Education in the Western Europe of the Future", this paper reports that, despite the many complaints about government influences on higher education, both U.S. and European studies show that it has only a limited effect on higher education in…

In this look at the near future of higher education, and in light of probable declining enrollments and resources, two perspectives are given, both drawn from existing literature. The first sets forth some of the fears of higher education professionals in one possible, if extreme, scenario; the second, some of their hopes in another. Among the…