In this brief paper, an outline of the major changes and opportunities occurring in higher education is presented, followed by a set of propositions on its fundamental purposes. A set of key issues central to the ability of higher education to change is then stated, with some questions designed to provide the starting point for a policy discussion. There is a diverse set of concerns, changes, trends, and opportunities affecting higher education. Overarching all changes is the one in the perception of higher education by students and parents, the public, its elected representatives, and the business community. Research that underpins economic, technological, and medical progress is prized and well supported.
Higher education is viewed as an engine of economic development.
Unlike K-12, this perception is not centered on performance failure, but on lack of responsiveness to the needs of students and society, to inefficiency, to aloofness, and lack of accountability. The increased importance of higher education further magnifies resentment. A second change is in the perception of the public value to be assigned to higher education. A college degree is increasingly viewed as providing private benefits, less public value. This change in perception has engendered a shift of the costs of higher education from government to the student and employer.