George Keller's criticism of the state of higher education research is discussed. An alternative model of the relationship between research and policy, some valuable contributions of higher education research, and steps for improving the quality and impact of that research are described. (MLW)

Results of a new survey of institutions of higher education calls into question the utility of the rank orderings of institutions reported in past reputation surveys. It suggests that educational issues involving undergraduate as well as graduate programs ought to be considered when institutions are ranked. (JMD)

"If the research in higher education ended, it would scarcely be missed." This is the time when excellent research and scholarship about higher learning and its institutions is needed, yet the study of this national resource is at a low ebb. The reasons for low appraisals of research are discussed. (MLW)