This publication deals with two broad issues: (1) selection, equality, and reproduction of social hierarchies in higher education, and (2) development policies and the assessment of their effect on higher education. It contains the following 10 papers: "Ambitious Goals--Small Changes? On the Structure of Student Population in Finland in the 20th Century" (Arto Nevala); "Selection of Matriculated Students into Further Studies" (Hannu Jalkanen); "Distinction Strategies and Selection in the Finnish Academic Field" (Juha-Pekka Liljander); "Higher Education as a Field" (Sakari Ahola); "Research Process as a Paradigm for Teaching and Learning--Experiences during Seminar Instruction" (Pentti Hakkarainen, Kari Kuutti); "Faculty Cultures and Innovations--A Case Study" (Jussi Valimaa);"Strategy and Implementation of Change in the University Management: The University of Joensuu, Finland" (Seppo Holtta); "From Central Planning to Decentralization? Accountability in Higher Education" (Leena Koski); "Study Careers and Productivity" (Pentti Maatta, Sakari Valkonen); and "Approaches and Assessment Models in University Teaching and Learning" (Pentti Hakkarainen). (GLR)