A new theme in the old tension between centralization and decentralization in the governance and administration of Australian higher education is explored. The argument is that the various major attempts to restructure Australian education systems both in centralizing and decentralizing forces have gained new strength, and that the recent stated…

The extent of democratization of Scandinavian higher education is evaluated. Democratization is considered to include: (1) the subordination of university decision-making to parliamentary democracy and, in Sweden, to corporate representative bodies; (2) the decentralization of higher education regionally, important particularly in Finland, Norway,…

The organization of local government in England underwent significant structural revision during the 1970s, creating centralized authorities focused on objectives and service delivery systems rather than on organizational structures and the separate services delivered. As the most autonomous local agency prior to reorganization, education was the…

Sets of values that affect higher education are discussed: social justice, competence, liberty, and loyalty. Social justice pertains to issues of equality and equity. Beyond access to education the interest in justice for students appears as a demand for uniform standards across a system. In addition, personnel and whole enterprises steadily…

Four addresses presented at the workshop are included in these proceedings. The remarks of Governor Reubin O'D. Askew consider the Florida state system of education, the community college system, and the responsibilities of trustees. William H. Meardy discusses the working relationship between presidents and trustees, the gray area between…

Historical perspectives on federal regulations are examined since 1958 along with five dilemmas that cause universities to improve university operations by reforms in current federal regulations. The National Defense Education Act of 1958 and the Higher Education Act (NDEA) of 1965 are often identified as two of the major milestones in the…

The history of the institutional, governmental, and legal development of American higher education before 1820 is examined. This study portrays the early history of American higher education as the transformation of European institutions by American conditions, views the old as coexisting but also competing with the new, perceives institutional…

The relationship between the authoritarian state and higher education in Mexico is examined in this case study. Focus is on the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) since it receives 40 percent of the federal budget for higher education, which makes it a prime example of autonomy within an authoritarian political system. Using three…

How and why private and "private equivalent" resources (i.e., discretionary funds) have played such a large role in higher education in the United States, and how that role can continue to be performed in the financially troubled future, are outlined. Chapter One describes the "postponed crisis" precipitated by the end of growth in higher…

Approaches to the organization and administration of higher education drawn from other countries are presented. In some countries, higher education is coordinated by a central bureaucracy in which there is much nationalization of the curriculum, a nationalized degree structure, and a nationalized system of admissions. This approach is contrasted…

This document explores state-level involvement in the governance of postsecondary education, particularly in those states which use coordinating boards to govern their institutions. Rising enrollments and costs of the 1960's, concern with more effective resource use in the 1970's, and the influence of federal aid programs have combined to…

In an effort to find out the costs of more selective admission to the University of Wisconsin, UW-Oshkosh examined the progress of students who entered the university as freshmen in the 1960-61 academic year, when admission was relatively "open." Results showed that the state could save millions of dollars a year if it restricted…

Drawing from interviews with key-informants in planning and policy-making institutions at central and local levels, reports on 1985 education reform programs. Highlights some of the most drastic aspects of the reform and discusses specific issues in basic education, technical/vocational education, and higher education. Notes variety and…

A review of attitudes about the need for changes in the structure of postsecondary education in Australia and the role of the government in each sector concludes with the suggestion that the state take less responsibility for short-term planning and institutional development and focus more on long-term planning with strong involvement in technical…

Trends in higher education research in England are noted, particularly the transition from a laissez-faire system to one characterized by greater control and planning. The two major areas of investigation, patterns of access to higher education and instruction, are noted, and two major research projects are described. (MSE)