Because higher education serves both public and private interests, the way it is conceived and financed is contested politically, appearing in different forms in different societies. What is public and private in education is a political--social construct, subject to various political forces, primarily interpreted through the prism of the state.…

Numerous surveys and studies show that the faculty and administrations of America's major public campuses are, politically, well to the left of the typical American. This would not be cause for concern if these political preferences were merely expressed by faculty and administrators in their private activities as citizens and had no significant…

This discussion of the state/university relationship addresses the ways in which states and universities can achieve relationships that are constructive for both parties. The following chapters are presented: (1) "Choosing Quality" (includes policy, interest in quality, university role, trends in state/university relationships, and resources); (2)…

The relationship between the external environment and state appropriations to public higher education is analyzed, focusing on the following: (1) the extent to which environmental factors explain yearly appropriations outcomes for public four-year colleges and universities; (2) which environmental factors are most important and which are least…

Summarizes an Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges study concerning state officials' perceptions of citizen governing boards and academic governance in public institutions. Findings and recommendations are outlined in five areas: preparing for the future; serving the public interest; navigating a new political environment;…

An overview of the process of university participation in state politics is provided, including the way in which a university interacts with the governor's office and the way it competes with other universities and other agencies for budget dollars. The following 23 articles are included: "The Influence of State Constitutional Conventions on the…

Actions taken on higher education by the 1985 Arkansas General Assembly and the First Extraordinary Session are summarized. Successful and unsuccessful legislation are identified, and the appropriation and funding process for each institution is shown in chart form. The general revenue appropriations for higher education for the 1985-1987 biennium…

This document articulates the directives of the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AASCU) in achieving its major goal of providing citizens with equal opportunity for access to a college education. Based on the policy directives of the AASCU Board of Directors and the recommendations of the Council of State Representatives, the…

This case study part of the State Structures for the Governance of Higher Education study, focuses on governance and related issues in New York's higher education system. The study's overall purpose was to examine differences among states in their governance structures, and to determine if differences in performance were related to governing…

This case study, part of the State Structures for the Governance of Higher Education study, focuses on governance and related issues in Texas's higher education system. The study's overall purpose was to examine differences among states in their governance structures, and to determine if differences in performance were related to governing…

The paper presents an overview and analysis of the selection process of public college and university trustees and regents, examining the experiences of three states--Minnesota, Massachusetts, and Kentucky which use screening committees to assist governors in the selection of regents. The discussion also covers two statewide trustee orientation…