In the UK the majority of the universities are publicly funded. By contrast with universities in North America, they have been slow to build up strong alumni associations that are concerned with fund raising to support the core income. Students are now expected to make a major contribution to their tuition costs. Living expenses on campus have risen. At the same time the ratio of students to staff has grown, and there is a focus on research as this generates additional departmental funding.
Teaching is examined for quality.
The world has changed dramatically for academic staff and students. For the administrative staff the need for good management information systems is essential, so that they can cope with the changing financial profiles. Yet at the same time, there have been some spectacularly unsuccessful attempts to develop a generic system. Information technology has brought new opportunities and challenges to the process of teaching and learning. The experience of visiting a number of universities and talking with senior management indicates that the take-up of technology in teaching is patchy.