Nine characteristics thought desirable in the design of internal budgetary processes for state-funded institutions of higher education during a period of declining resources are presented. Characteristics are devised to deal with minimizing delay and conflict, and the politics of the budgetary process. (Author/MLW)

New Jersey abandoned formula funding of higher education in favor of incentive funding combined with base budgeting. State institutions receive basic operating funds and compete for extra monies by planning initiatives for problems on which state leaders want more action. Incentive funding has cost little and improved quality noticeably. (MSE)

Alternative funding mechanisms for appropriating operating and capital outlay revenue for public colleges and universities are described. The following conclusions are drawn: (1) Budget formulas are utilized by 25 of the 50 states in allocating funds to higher education. (2) Budget formulas are used predominantly in budget areas where data related…

Problems affecting the survival of private colleges, including declining enrollment, inflation, costs, efficiency, public attitude, and competition with public institutions for students and federal and state aid are discussed. Thoughts about planning for the future are presented, with focus on planning and support at the state level. (JMD)

An overview of state studies and blue-ribbon commissions on higher education is presented, with an analysis of the motivating issues, which include the need for a strong tie between higher education and the state's economy and the recognition of the connection between the quality of higher education and the quality of the public schools. The…

The role of governors in higher education was studied through a 1984 survey of 70 former governors from 40 states. Attention was directed to issues such as: how often and when governors get involved in university issues, the influence of various higher education constituencies on gubernatorial decision making, gubernatorial views on private higher…

The implications of declining enrollments for the University of Wisconsin (UW) system are addressed. The Wisconsin State Legislature mandated that the Board of Regents report by November 30, 1979, on its plans to deal with the prospect of a significant decline in University of Wisconsin enrollments in the 1980s. Basic assumptions are as follows:…

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…

The ways that the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) has sought to recognize the contribution of private higher education in Tennessee are addressed. Specific involvement of the private sector was provided in the preparation of the 1979-84 THEC Master Plan. Many of the planning issues identified in that plan touched on private sector…

The 1983 report of the New Mexico State Commission on Postsecondary Education first outlines the statutory responsibilities of the Commission and the Board of Educational Finance, and then provides brief descriptions of the state universities, community and junior colleges, vocational and technical schools, and four-year private colleges and…

Changes at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK), begun when the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) initiated a funding mechanism designed to promote assessment and improvement of quality, are chronicled. Implications for program evaluation, planning, and resource allocation in other state colleges and universities are also…

In accordance with legislative mandate, this annual report summarizes the activities of the Maryland State Board for Community Colleges and those of the state's 17 community colleges. After listing the members of the Board and the community colleges, the report discusses the 1.4% rise in enrollments, changing student characteristics, and the…

Designed to provide background information for a study of higher education in California to be conducted by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, this report describes the essential elements of the system. Section 1 provides an overview of California, postsecondary education in the state, and higher education agencies and…

Experiences that have been gained in Illinois in efforts to achieve interinstitutional coordination and cooperation among colleges and universities are described. Attention is directed to the role of the Illinois Master Plan Phase III to establish an integrated incentives in cooperative programs, experiences in the operation of an incentive grant…

A report on two- and four-year colleges in New Mexico is presented, including 50 recommendations of the Governor's Commission on Higher Education. An overview of higher education in the state and the different types of state-supported colleges is provided. Excellence in state institutions is discussed, with attention to governing boards;…