Because complex social and political situations with far-reaching consequences increasingly call for swift administrative response from colleges and universities, the 10th Annual College and University Self-Study Institute addressed itself to the following questions: What kind of situation will the administrator face if he follows the course of partisan involvement in issues? Of non-partisan detachment? How should an administrator respond to such situations? What guideline for action should he consider? What kinds of situations will he most likely face and what are their most likely consequences for internal and external relations? What may be the future role of higher education as a principal change agent in society? Organized by the Center for Research and Development in Higher Education and the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education, the conference was attended by 20 college presidents and about 80 staff members, deans and faculty representing 60 institutions. Alternative views on the conference topic were presented in major papers by T. R. McConnell, Harris Wofford, Roger Heyns, Algo Henderson, Eldon Johnson and Kenneth Boulding. A colloquium, bringing together a great diversity of viewpoints and experience, gave expression to the several schools of thought presently attempting to redefine the role of higher education in society. (JS)