An examination of the state of student activism in American higher education is based on a study of the focus and direction of campus activism and on interviews and surveys of undergraduate and graduate students who consider themselves activists. The first two chapters are devoted to an assessment of the overall situation and of the strategies used for organization and communication in activist pursuits. Subsequent chapters focus on specific political issues and interests. They include divestment of financial interests in South Africa, Central American politics, the Central Intelligence Agency, the military and its university connections for war-related activities, racism, the economy and general welfare, women's issues, gay, lesbian, and bisexual rights, student empowerment, the role of the media, and the future of activism. Chapters contain segments of activist interviews and descriptions of specific events. Interspersed among expository chapters are "snapshot" chapters describing individual campus situations and campus-specific issues. A final chapter gives a sampling of events and actions. Information on national activist organizations and survey and interview methodology are appended. (MSE)