Some of the critical choice points in the development of collective bargaining in public institutions of higher education are traced. The single most important aspect of the bargaining process that determines the nature of collective bargaining is enabling legislation. Changes that have appeared to influence the probability of unionization concern the renewed emphasis on accountability and the more permissive legal authorization for collective bargaining in higher education. Unit-determination refers to the composition or nature of the group of employees forming the bargaining unit. After the unit determination has been made, the next logical step is an election to see which, if any, of the potential bargaining agents will represent the unit. The three major union groups for teachers are noted, and some of the typical items included in a collective bargaining agreement in higher education are defined. Sources of difficulty in implementing a contract that has been accepted by both parties are discussed, as are challenges and decertification of a bargaining agent. (SW)