The relationship of public policy and independent higher education is examined, and the antecedents of an intentional public policy are traced. A comprehensive public policy for the independent sector, which was issued in 1974 by the National Council of Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) is discussed in the context of social ideals and…

Federal involvement in higher education during 1950-1983 is reviewed. Policies and programs that have governed federal support of academic science and higher education are considered, particularly support for basic scientific research. The Soviet's success with Sputnik promoted change from modest funding for defense-related research at selected…

Federal and state roles in higher education and possible actions and priorities for the federal government with regard to research are considered. Federal sponsorship of research is directed to better inform policy-makers who share responsibilities for the national interest in higher education. Attention is directed to the following concerns:…

The text of a statement by the board of trustees of the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, concerning the federal role in higher education and the role of education in the nation's and the world's future, is presented. (MSE)

Ernest L. Boyer, president of Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, is interviewed. Among the topics discussed are his tenure as U.S. Commissioner of Education, the influence of the higher education community--including university presidents and national educational organizations--on public and educational policy, and government…

Public and private initiatives designed to enhance U.S. competitiveness were suggested to the President of the United States by the Business-Higher Education Forum, based on a 1-year research and study effort. The Forum's findings include: the U.S. economy is lagging behind its own past performance and the gains of other nations; economic vitality…

Australia's higher education system reform, the booming overseas market, and unmet domestic demand have provided opportunities for private higher education. The growth of private provision, federal and state government responses, and pressures for subsidy and regulation have hastened development of a "peripheral private sector."…

The impact on higher education equity and diversity of Australia's recent shift from elite to mass higher education is assessed. Among the issues discussed are institutional role and autonomy, changes in regulation, market forces in higher education, and competition among institutions. (MSE)

The importance of citizenship, community service, and voluntary organizations to a democratic society is considered, along with evidence that citizen service and influence could diminish in the future. Five roles for higher education in the development of active citizenship and personal community service are also indicated. Problems in…

The federal policy perspective regarding private higher education and the issue of diversity is considered. Among the areas of concern is the tendency to assess the value of a college education in terms of the individual's earning power in the marketplace, rather than in terms of serving individual identity. It is suggested that independent…

Institutional autonomy in higher education has already been seriously eroded by social change. If higher education is to retain its diversity, pluralism, and intellectual independence, academe must state its case forcibly or government policies of financial aid and regulation will create a homogenization of colleges and univerities. (MSE)

In the U.S. Congress, attention to scientific fraud and misconduct has involved extensive use of oversight authority. Because scientists and universities have failed to respond promptly to calls for self-regulation, Congress has imposed formal regulations and favors increased scrutiny of research and a reassessment of university-government-science…

Examines the market-oriented policies predominating in Chile's higher education system, based on a loosely-regulated private sector and para-market mechanisms designed to enhance competition among state-supported universities. Analyzes the policies' effects on professional careers, academic degree programs, and higher education funding. Argues for…

Criteria to aid states in desegregating their higher education systems and the need for federal desegregation policy to take into account the unique role of public black colleges are examined, and the historical effects of segregation on educational opportunities for black Americans are traced. Criteria issues by the Department of Health,…

Fiscal issues in higher education are considered, based on four conferences attended by academic and business leaders. After an initial conference of college and life insurance company presidents at Princeton University in 1978, three regional meetings were held in Greensboro, North Carolina; Kalamazoo, Michigan; and Boston, Massachusetts.…