ERIC Digest 84-1. With a trend toward state and federal government involvement in higher education, colleges will do well to conduct internal program assessments in order to maintain control. A self-study should include such factors as program goals and organization, available fiscal resources and facilities, curriculum offerings, faculty resources, student characteristics, and current issues. Appropriate quantitative data should be included, and outside guidance from impartial consultants should be obtained. Institutional self-study is an appropriate method for determining quality and demonstrating accountability, which can lead to academic and administrative excellence.
Regulation follows public money.
Thus it is no wonder that state and federal government regulations have reached higher education. Until recently, state and federal oversight was limited to institutional licensure and to state-level planning and coordination, including the approval of new degree programs. Now, such efforts as state review of existing academic programs are becoming more common. Even more indicative of greater government involvement is the fact that at least 17 states have provided their higher education agency with the responsibility and general powers to accredit institutions and programs within their jurisdiction. Government activity in academic matters is controversial.