Current conditions at U.S. colleges and universities are discussed. Consideration is given to the nature of special interests and factions in American society and the system-wide influences of corporate power, militarization, racism, sexism, and overquantification as they pertain to higher education. The internal and external governance of colleges are also addressed, including trends and problems relating to college boards of trustees. In considering the responsibilities of the chief business officer, attention is directed to accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting, as well as trends influencing business operations and the outcomes of these trends. Among institutional advancement activities covered are communication and public information, intercollegiate athletics, fund raising, and alumni relations. Public service is also considered, including extension services and continuing education, the urban university, the community college, and community education. Additional topics include: state, federal, and private financial support of higher education; accreditation and interinstitutional cooperation, including consortia; and planning and evaluation (futures research; planning, programming budget systems; zero base budgeting, management by objectives). (SW)