The needs for postsecondary education in Alaska are discussed in a policy statement covering the planning environment (economic and enrollment), need and demand for services, system responsiveness, and supporting resource requirements (faculty, facilities, and funding). Recommendations include the following: (1) Institutions should continue to improve and expand counseling and advisement services for existing and prospective students, with particular emphasis on meeting the needs of the adult continuing education student, and part-time learner, and other groups of nontraditional students such as single parents, women, rural students, and older citizens. (2) Guidelines and funding mechanisms for addressing the need for adult continuing education should be developed and coordinated with various providers of educational opportunities in academic institutions, governmental agencies, business, or industry. (3) The needs of education consumers should be clarified in surveys. (4) Manpower demand and supply analysis for selected fields should be conducted. (5) Regional (multi-state) planning and resource sharing should be encouraged. (6) A state-level student loan program should encourage access to any institution. (7) The concept of a state-wide postsecondary education agency is endorsed to plan postsecondary education and to advise the governor, the legislature, and the educational community. (8) Community colleges should maintain an open admissions policy and low levels of tuition and fee charges for community college students. Further suggestions are made for program offerings, vocational planning, adult basic education, and budgeting. (SW)