This paper examines the history of Minnesota's policies in higher education from the end of World War II to the present with emphasis on policies concerning coordination and governance. The paper summarizes decisions and recommendations and analyzes trends to gauge their effects and effectiveness over this time period. The paper begins with a brief overview of the three "eras" that characterize the direction of state policy. The campus era of 1946-1962 saw policy focused at the campus level and each campus operated as an independent entrepreneur. In the system era (1963-1983) authority for decisions and actions became concentrated more in the state governing boards and coordinating boards. The legislative era (1983 to the present) saw deeper legislative involvement in higher education policy on issues such as funding, enrollments, and access versus quality. Following the first section is an analysis of the historical trends and a discussion of possible alternative directions. The third section is a listing of policy recommendations and decisions since 1946. Each entry indicates the year and whether the legislature took action on the recommendation. The recommendations are grouped under statewide planning and cooperation, mission, structure, access, quality, funding and financial aid, and linkages with elementary and secondary education. (JB)