The need for American colleges and universities to increase self-assessment, self-renewal, and self-regulation to regain public support and fend off government encroachment is discussed. The condition of American higher education, the reaction of the higher education community, and the need for a national effort are described. (Author/MLW)

The concept of collective autonomy is discussed as it refers to cooperation between universities. The need for a collective autonomy of universities, the aims and limits of such a concept, and means and opportunities for creating and fostering it are examined. (Author/SF)

The reorganization of the German universities between the end of the 1960s and the early 1970s into "Group Universities" is discussed. It is suggested that this new organizational system, modeled along the lines of a corporate state, has destroyed the communication system of the university and introduced discontinuity into the academic…

Academics in both the industrial world and developing countries face funding declines, growing state intervention, public hostility, and corporate pressure. Simultaneously, they are experiencing internal wars over policy, curriculum, and nature of scholarly communities. In North America debates about academic freedom center on tenure and free…

A study examined Ghana's official response to criticism of university efficiency, a budgeting system intended to reform funding mechanisms. Analysis revealed that the new policy resulted in an input-based model that neglected outcome measures, potentially causing reduced, rather than enhanced, efficiency. Lessons learned and implications for both…

The latest educational reform is that of charter schools. This article surveys the perceived benefits of charter schools and their organizational characteristics. Describes fiscal and policy issues and outlines seven critical components necessary for passing successful charter legislation. One figure is included. (Five references) (LMI)

"Gay Rights Coalition v. Georgetown University," with its emphasis on social scientific evidence, may be precedent-setting. The case involves not only a university, a religion, and a religious doctrine, but also a protected class that is just emerging as an object of public policy. (MLW)

Describes the plan to decentralize all public schools in Chicago (Illinois). The following unique features are discussed: (1) local school councils governing each school; (2) principals' responsibilities; (3) central school board's role; (4) specific school and system goals. (FMW)

Discusses the need for written collection policies in learning resources centers as a defense against censorship and as a collection planning device. A model collection policy is reviewed, with emphasis on the sections and wording that bear directly on censorship and intellectual freedom. (8 references) (CLB)

A discussion of Dutch higher education looks at whether a 1985 proposal for fundamental changes in the relationship between government and higher education institutions has been implemented with regard to curriculum design. It is concluded that, despite policy intentions for increased institutional autonomy, the government retains relatively tight…

Academic freedom in the universities of South Africa is examined, focusing on competing conceptions of the university's role, limits on the university's autonomy, selection of students and related concerns of enabling black student enrollment while maintaining academic standards, and intellectual freedom in the context of political pressures. (DB)

This article examines the interplay between universities and governments, within the context of recent changes in the Australian higher education system. The Australian government is urged to fund institutions adequately and encourage diversity. Australian universities are urged to defend their autonomy and distinctive educational missions. (DB)

A discussion of university autonomy and institutional image is presented with reference to politics at the newly established University of New England (Australia). Elements of institutional image or identity are examined, including (1) symbolic issues such as logo and location of administration; (2) leadership and management structures; (3)…

Discusses the impact of the lack of autonomous boards of trustees on Quebec's public libraries and the political factors that influence decision making about the libraries. Organizational structure, public support, and financial support are covered. The author concludes that municipal governments do not give public libraries enough status.…

A proposed charter of academic freedom and institutional autonomy in Australian higher education is examined, including the origins of the proposal, interests of staff and management, international political context of the proposal, history and values of the academic freedom concept, role of Australian universities, and faculty association role.…