Events and conditions over the last 20 years that have altered the course of higher education are briefly noted, and trends in higher education for the early eighties are examined. Among the past influences on higher education that illustrate the wisdom of planning for a realistic period of time, such as five years, are the following: the massive state funding of programs for the handicapped and special education laws, the government and court mandate to desegregate dual systems of higher education, affirmative action and equal opportunity legislation, and the recession. Trends in higher education for the early 1980s include the following: there is a decline in the number of students of traditional college age; changes in the retirement laws in 1982 will have an immediate impact on higher education; increased controls will be exercised by state governments; there will be movement toward standardization of programs, funding, and limitations of mission and scope; increased fuel costs will reduce weekend trips home by students at many universities; there may be an oversupply of doctors, lawyers, and veterinarians; a serious problem has been created by deferred maintenance and renovation; there will be opportunity for greater selection in securing new faculty and staff; the liberal education component will become a focal point; there will be greater involvement in public service activities; exchange programs with other universities will increase, both in and out of the country; and there will be a trend toward the reallocation of resources. An excerpt from Senate Bill No. 2977 of the Mississippi Legislature, regular session 1980, which addresses the development of a management information system plan and reports that should be made to the state legislature, is appended. (SW)