In a rapidly changing context, US institutions of higher education are struggling amidst myriad pressures related, for example, to funding, accountability, standardisation and technology. In particular, pressures on 'progressive' or non-traditional colleges are immense. These schools, which have historically emphasised individualised,…

America's urban Catholic schools are in crisis. This report finds that over 1,300 schools have shut down since 1990, mostly in our cities. As a result, some 300,000 students have been displaced--forced to attend other public, private, or parochial schools. The school closures have cost taxpayers more than $20 billion to accommodate the additional…

Study examined the condition of 22 nonpublic schools for 1965-66, 1980-81, and 1988-89, noting difficulties they face as they compete with more choice-oriented, tuition-free public schools. The study used data gathered by national, regional, and local groups. A finding is that all but Roman Catholic schools are growing and prospering. (SM)

Information on indicators of change in American higher education that either individually or collectively might be used to measure the health of the nation's colleges and universities is presented. Change indicators include student/faculty ratio, faculty appointments, student attitudes and characteristics, percentage of female faculty and…

An examination of trends in undergraduate liberal arts degrees and curricula reports two findings: (1) renewed interest in the liberal arts degree has occurred primarily outside liberal arts colleges, within universities; and (2) the struggle for institutional survival has caused some colleges to scale back or abandon their original missions. (MSE)

Asserts that higher education institutions can benefit greatly, or cease to exist, depending upon how each college and university adapts to the transformational power of information technology in the future. Discusses the inevitable changes in higher education, catalysts, responses, and potential impact of change, and how to adapt to inevitable…

South Africa's black universities face declining interest among black students, who now have more options than under apartheid. The crisis comes as South Africa considers ways to restructure its postsecondary-education system to cut costs and avoid duplication. While black enrollments are rising at other institutions, the numbers of all students…

Examines German university system prior to and after reunification of East and West. Reports few former Eastern students attending university in the West, primarily for economic reasons; many vacated East German faculty positions filled by West German academics. Looking ahead, the report sees major changes, including baccalaureate programs in…

Examines the market orientation of Japan's higher education institutions, particularly in the private sector, and the role of government in higher education administration and finance. Outlines efforts to reform teaching and service functions of the university and institutional administration in this context. Notes a shift from the traditional…

A study of 65 doctoral programs in higher education indicates disturbing trends: (1) mergers into larger academic units; (2) significant decline in student diversity among rather stable populations; and (3) retirement of most tenured faculty within 10 years. Despite continuity and stability overall, these changes suggest a need for unified…