A description of the current status of academic public service in American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) institutions, focusing on those organizational aspects and policy variables that pertain to colleges having a strong public service emphasis is presented. Information is provided on a study undertaken in 1980 of public service in AASCU institutions. It examined the current status of mission, program, and organization of state colleges and universities with respect to academic public service, organizational differences, and particular organizational adaptations of structure, policy, and procedure to accommodate academic public service. Topics regarding current status include mission and goals for public service, program variables, and organization and rewards for service. Organizational differences associated with public service emphasis are discussed according to model differences, proportional differences, similarities, and strategies for a stronger service organization. Recommendations for enhancing the public service orientation are offered as follows: provide leadership; develop and promulgate a statement on public service policy for the institution; invest in the service mission; reward public service activity; and make an organizational commitment to the service mission. Tables are included. (SM)