Governance relationships between governments and higher education institutions are examined in 75 countries, states, and provinces, using 19 indicators. Results are used to examine assumptions about institutional autonomy in the United States as compared with other contexts. Substantial diversity was found, suggesting systems have created their…

The British dual-support system for teaching and research in universities is out of date in both administrative and normative senses. Reform proposals, such as a three-tier higher education system in which only top-tier institutions would receive research support, should be assessed for their administrative and intellectual consequences.…

An author reflects on how she prepared a higher education law text to bridge the gap between litigation and administration, scholar and practitioner. Major themes and issues formed the text's core with the most significant cases recommended by colleagues included. The book is intended for classroom use, not legal counsel. (SM)

The recommendations made in a recent report, "The Guardians: Boards of Trustees of American Colleges and Universities," address governing board membership, structure, operations, role, and responsibilities. Emphasis is on the public board. (MSE)

Increasingly, colleges and universities are cooperating to save money. Tactics include sharing of administrators; multicampus employee insurance policies; joint faculty appointments, departments, and programs; and electronically linking library collections. Obstacles include institutions' fear of losing identity and difficulty in reaching…

In 1983, Spain's Socialist government enacted the Law for University Reform (LRU), which decentralized university administration and strengthened institutional autonomy as a means of encouraging reform and greater accountability to social needs. Discusses the legacy of the Franco regime, LRU provisions for university organization and governance,…

Examination of recent reforms at three Mexican public universities suggests that university administrators have had little will or power to regulate expansion in the face of growing social demand for higher education. Discusses "populist" and "modernist" conceptions of university reform, which focus on social needs and economic…

Despite the deficiencies of accreditation, it is more likely to protect academic quality and faculty professionalism and is preferable to any foreseeable system of federal regulation. College faculty should participate in reforming accreditation and seek continuing involvement in the proposed new national organization for accreditation. (MSE)

Accountability of higher education institutions is discussed in the context of recent criticism of the institutional accreditation system. It is suggested that institutions reevaluate their responsibilities and reaffirm appropriate core values; however, application of those values will be influenced by the principal clients: students, employers,…

Higher education in Australia and the Netherlands illustrates two international trends: restructuring toward systems of fewer, larger institutions; and government tendencies to continue setting broad policies while decentralizing other responsibilities to institutions. Success in restructuring is attributed to the interaction of public policy and…

Five articles about the management of library and information science schools discuss the administrative relationship of the school to the parent institution; faculty governance; the changing role of the library school administrator; funding provided by the parent institution for education and research; and external funding for library education.…

This paper examines various ways in which states, colleges, and universities are balancing tensions between demands for greater institutional autonomy and demands for greater accountability to state legislatures. Noted are the states' varying fiscal situations, mixed messages on autonomy given by state governments to institutions, and increasing…

Reviews the history of Pennsylvania's higher education system since 1755. States that the Community College Act of 1963 imposed a funding system that has proved both inadequate and difficult to change and has discouraged the formation of new colleges. Discusses the current state of community college sponsorship, enrollment, funding, and outcomes,…

If higher education creates universities that only adapt to circumstances, they will not shape the future. A universal university must have universal access; universal delivery; a vocation to educate, not just train; a watchtower function; a universal ethical role; solidarity with sister institutions and society; autonomy with accountability;…

Pioneer district/charter-school contracts try to balance the quest for autonomy with accountability requirements. Districts' experiences in three states (Colorado, Oregon, and Wisconsin) and their chosen navigation tools offer clues to developing productive processes and relationships for negotiating successful contracts. A sidebar defines the…