This policy brief looks ahead for 2008 and presents the top 10 state issues most likely to be at the forefront of discussion and action that will affect public higher education across the 50 states, in the view of the state policy analysis and research staff at the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU). The focus is on…

After a comparison of institutional autonomy and government influence patterns in Australian and United States higher education institutions, it is concluded that variety in balances is possible and does exist. These balances can be altered to suit state needs and also free independent institutions for their own purposes. (MSE)

A strategic plan for public higher education in Oregon is presented. The state system mission and missions for eight institutions included in the system are articulated. Topics covered in an overview of the state system include the student population, degree and extension service programs, program quality, and research grants/contracts. Six main…

Shrinking state funding and pressure for accountability are forcing institutions of higher education to overhaul their missions, take stock of their spending, and inevitably, reorganize themselves as they prepare for an increasingly competitive college market. Data on average state tuition increase, and appropriations to higher education are…

This report provides an overview of current trends and opinions in public higher education. State representatives of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities were surveyed regarding opinions held by key institutions and individuals influencing public higher education at the state level. Top issues identified by policymakers and…

This report presents the mandated annual performance accountability reports of the 31 public colleges and universities in Maryland, as well as an overall analysis and recommendations of the Maryland Higher Education Commission. The reports are organized according to five categories of key performance indicators: quality, effectiveness, access,…

This report on outcomes in New Jersey's public colleges and universities has the following key findings: (1) total undergraduate enrollment decreased by approximately 15,000 students between 1992 and 1997 as a result of declining part-time enrollment and despite an increase of 8,000 in full-time undergraduate enrollment during the same period; (2)…

This document is the state-wide strategic plan for public and private higher education in the 1990s in South Carolina. The plan was developed in response to the State Legislative Act 629, "The Cutting Edge." The plan rests on three principles: (1) ensuring access to education to all South Carolinians at whatever levels of student…

This annual report provides an overview of major initiatives and accomplishments of the New Mexico Commission on Higher Education in implementing the policy directions identified in "Planning for the Class of 2005: A Vision for the Future." It begins with a specification of Commission responsibilities and outlines its legislative agenda…

This annual report provides a statement of the mission of the New Mexico Commission on Higher Education and an overview of its major initiatives and accomplishments, reflecting the Commission's emphasis on achieving the policy goals set forth in a 1988 strategic plan and a 1990 management plan. It analyzes, via text and tables, the following…

Major issues that will affect Texas higher education in the next decade are addressed. Data and information about the higher education system are presented, and an attempt is made to determine the impact of trends and issues upon colleges and universities. Concepts and perspectives on the appropriate response by higher education and planning…