The problems and objectives of contemporary consortial endeavors are the subject of this report. After introducing material outlining the 1980-1985 goals for consortial development established by the National Training System (NTS), the report provides examples of consortial activities among institutions of higher education and illustrates ventures at local, state, regional, and national levels. Features common to consortia at all levels are identified and two consortial efforts initiated by NTS are described: (1) the development of a generic Human Services curriculum to be used by the nation's two-year colleges in training personnel with a broad understanding of child care, drug abuse, alcohol abuse, mental health, corrections, and gerontology; and (2) the establishment of a Career Development Center which can offer institutions the services of specialists trained in negotiating academic agreements among colleges. Problems in developing lasting consortial agreements are discussed prior to a presentation of issues to be considered by the NTS in establishing their policies for consortium development in the 1980's. The report concludes with descriptions of the Southeast Florida Educational Consortium and the Florida Community College Television and Radio Consortium. (JP)