Various topics concerning assessment in higher education are considered in five papers. In "Defining and Measuring the Competencies of a Liberal Arts Education," David G. Winter proposes that liberal arts competencies can be assessed by creative new quantitative strategies and outlines five important criteria, or standards, as well as measures of student evaluation and educational effects. In "Statewide Assessment of Basic Skills," Alice J. Irby considers state government intrusion in higher education and describes the spreading practice of statewide basic skills assessment of students even before they enroll in college. In "Identifying and Evaluating Major Elements in the Quality of Student Life," Thomas R. Plough suggests that once enrolled and in attendance students assess their institution in terms of its maintaining or improving student quality of life. In "What Is the Most Effective Way to Handle Program Discontinuance? Case Studies from 11 Campuses," Edward A. Dougherty claims that program termination may cost more than it saves unless institutions plan carefully and gain support from those affected. Problems and effective strategies in 10 instances of program discontinuance are analyzed. In "How Do You Know a Good College When You Stumble Over One?" John Harris describes how accrediting associations are seeking to broaden their ideas about assessment, emphasizing student outcomes and competence as the bases on which institutions should be held accountable. (SW)