The 2008 Thought Leaders Symposium brought together a combination of participants new to the event and veterans from years past to assess the future of higher education and the implications of that future on educational facilities. Participants spent time in discussion with the goal of coming to a consensus on the challenges facing colleges and universities in North America. Facilities leaders were joined by experts in academic affairs, human resources, student services, finance, and administration; represented were community colleges, private institutions, and state universities. This report presents the result of the 2008 symposium in a white paper that focuses on changing demographics and accountability, two issues expected to have a dramatic impact on North American colleges and universities. Participants identified major challenges and their implications, strategies for and obstacles to success, and strengths higher education can draw upon to overcome those potential obstacles. The report includes five sections: (1) Executive Summary; (2) Critical Issues Facing Higher Education; (3) Overall Response of Facilities Leaders; (4) Top Facilities Issues; and (5) Conclusion. Two appendices are included: (1) Participants in the 2008 Thought Leaders Summit; and (2) References and Resources. (References and resources are listed by individual report section.) [The 2008 Symposium was sponsored by Jacobs Global Buildings, NA.]