Future changes in the characteristics of student populations, and the institutions of higher education which they attend, is becoming a concern of student affairs administrators. Among the areas in which future development could have an impact on student affairs programs are: (1) changes in the national birthrate and subsequent fall in college enrollment; (2) events in the community outside higher education institutions that may change both the political and financial support that colleges and universities have previously received; and (3) events within institutions of higher education. Examples of such events are the growth of nontraditional educational mechanisms, the marked increase in the proportion of females in undergraduate enrollment and the increased need and importance of retention programs. If student affairs programs are to remain relevant, administrators must anticipate and plan for these developments and the changes in student needs and concerns in the next 20 years. (PK)