Such developments require new approaches to teaching, learning, and scholarship. The pervasive influence of technology on all aspects of intellectual, economic, political, and social endeavors is precipitating changes as extensive as those effected by the industrial revolution. Meaningful employment is an expected outcome of attending college. An unprecedented number of students of all ages are seeking higher education. Over 40,000 additional students are projected to be enrolled in UNC institutions by 2008, with an increasing amount of instruction expected to be offered at convenient locations and times.
Universities increasingly have to be accountable to government or governing boards.
Through a variety of ways, universities now must demonstrate their value to society. Institutional budgets have become more and more linked to measurable targets of efficiency and effectiveness. This means that universities must rely increasingly upon funds from new gifts and grants, reassignment of internal resources, and achieving new efficiencies. It is extremely important that emphasis be placed on raising unrestricted permanent endowments to support program and scholarship requirements. Excellence has become more dependent upon the ability to secure financial support from alumni, friends, foundations, and corporations and upon the ability to make hard reallocation decisions.