As budgets and enrollments shrink in colleges and universities throughout the country, percentages of tenured faculty have been limited to stretch financial resources. An alternative approach for financial flexibility is presented. (Editor/PG)

Colleges and universities have special budgetary needs and problems and while their business support systems can benefit from many cost-saving measures, their core operations--teaching and research--cannot. Colleges are labor-intensive, must stay abreast of knowledge, must adjust to inflation and have been increasing student aid. (MLW)

The Department of Education's fiscal year (FY) 1992 budget for higher education essentially freezes the FY 1991 funding level, with requested increases in student financial aid and categorical support offset exactly by proposed reductions. Most categorical programs will continue at their current funding level. (MSE)

An inadequate (although constant) share of funding, a serious accumulation of deferred maintenance, and the decline in constant dollars directed toward physical plants all suggest that the overall higher education enterprise is underfunded. At the expense of future generations, we are spending down the capital asset represented by facilities. (MLW)

According to members of Congress, college chief executive officers possess an enormous amount of prestige and clout they could utilize to get what they need from lawmakers--be it dollars, new programs, or legislative support. This year's concerns include access, college costs, and research funding. (MLW)

The American Council on Education, its Commission on Governmental Relations, and the governmental relations staffs of other national education associations have prepared a legislative agenda. Items of concern to the higher education community are identified, areas of top priority are suggested, and specific action is recommended.…