Reasons for the literacy problem on college and university campuses and the role of higher education in confronting this problem are discussed. Many young people today lack English skills necessary for holding a job, and students entering college are deficient in basic language skills. Some educators feel that college admission standards should be raised in order to pressure high schools to concentrate on developing basic skills. College English departments have been accused of emphasizing literature and not giving enough attention to composition, and departments outside of English have been accused of ignoring poor writing from their students. Some state systems of higher education have mandated tests and/or courses in an attempt to alleviate the problem. The California State University and College (CSUC) system adopted a systemwide proficiency/diagnostic writing exam for entering lower-division students and also required English courses. At San Francisco State University the required sophomore English course could be taught in departments other than English if certain conditions were met. Some California universities have offered inservice training programs for elementary and secondary teachers in order to strengthen the teaching of the basic skills. (SW)