Consumerism as a student-oriented approach to postsecondary education is one that rests on two fundamental premises: (1) it is important that students receive fair treatment in their roles as educational consumers; and (2) some current practices in postsecondary education are not adequately responsive to student needs. Consumerism implies a reform-mindedness and, specifically, a need for institutional structures that reflect sensitivity to student rights and needs. Much has already taken place, and some of the broad outlines of consumer reform in postsecondary education already seem to have taken shape. The most visible activity is in the form of governmental action, including legislation establishing a set of "minimum standards" for institutional operations, and the Federal Interagency Committee on Education (FICE), which includes representatives of all federal agencies with responsibilities in the area of education. Whether there will be a great increase in consumerism activity in the private sector is still very much an open question. (Author/KE)