THE QUESTION WHETHER OR NOT READING INSTRUCTION SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE COLLEGE CURRICULUM WAS EXAMINED. ALTHOUGH 75 PERCENT OF THE INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING PROVIDE SOME TYPE OF READING INSTRUCTION, THE POSITION OF COLLEGE READING INSTRUCTION IS UNCERTAIN. THE READING COURSE HAS NO BODY OF PRINCIPLES WHICH CAN BE TAUGHT AND EXPANDED UPON. THE REQUIRED COURSE WORK IS UNDER THE AUSPICES OF MANY DEPARTMENTS--PSYCHOLOGY, ENGLISH, EDUCATION, EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY, PERSONNEL SERVICES, ETC. THE HISTORICAL RATIONALE FOR THE FAILURE OF ENGLISH TEACHERS TO ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE COLLEGE READING PROGRAM IS DISCUSSED. IT IS SUGGESTED THAT THE ENGLISH PROFESSION CONDUCT AN EXTENSIVE STUDY OF THE NATURE OF THE READING PROCESS AND ITS HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT. THIS PAPER WAS PRESENTED AT THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF TEACHERS OF ENGLISH CONFERENCE (HONOLULU, NOVEMBER 23-25, 1967). (JM)