Public higher education in Mexico faces major challenges vis-a-vis its position within the modern knowledge society, sparking concern among educational authorities. In the second half of the 20th century Mexican universities ceased to be selective, elitist schools, becoming, instead, massive institutions that reflect social and intellectual tensions. In this sense, the future development of the academic establishment is far from clear. Universities are evolving from institutions of eminent national traits harkening back to a traditional age, to emblems of a globalized world, a fact that impacts students, certification, curricula and the labour markets. This paper analyses today's trend towards the promotion of planned--as well as unplanned--changes in Mexican institutions of higher education.