Discusses the Office of Science and Technology, the Office of Management and Budget, and Research Applied to National Needs of the National Science Foundation and their roles in determining policy during the period of steady-state in science. (PG)

Commentary on a National Commission on Student Financial Assistance report examines: federal role in graduate education, reauthorizing the Higher Education Act of 1965, restoring university research in science and technology, redefining graduate education, transition to an information society, excellence and the graduate student. (MLW)