And even those who do not deny that there are significant problems, might not agree on what they are. The fact is that there is very little demand for change from the grass roots. When asked by pollsters, consumers of higher education, students generally say they are happy with their education. Most parents, although unhappy about the high cost of a college degree, have no basic gripes about academe. We have found that the vast majority of professors are generally satisfied with conditions on campus and with the overall focus of the curriculum and of their teaching.
Reform means different things to different constituencies.
Administrators see reform as more efficient delivery of educational services, especially teaching. Professors, they contend, should teach more students in larger classes. More part-timers should be hired because they are less expensive and more easily fired. There should be more accountability and measurement of teaching, research, and other campus activities. State legislators see reform as more governmental control over campuses and as increased efficiency so that state budgetary allocations can be further slashed.