Internationally universities have been characterised by shrinking government funding, fierce competition for student enrolments, and greater pressures to become commercially viable. It is against this complex background that academic leaders have been required to confront and resolve a multitude of conflicting interests as they seek to balance a…

Globalization presents a new social context for educational institutions from elementary schools to universities. In response to this new context, schools and universities are slowly changing their ways. These changes range from altering the curriculum so that students understand the process of globalization itself, or developing competencies…

When some people think of nonprofit organizations, they think of small charities that are short-staffed, often struggle financially, and provide basic human needs to the most vulnerable in the society. Others think of organizations that support the civic and social infrastructure of communities, states, and nation, and serve as a vital component…

Explores what happens to knowledge in corporate universities operating as knowledge producers in a knowledge economy, asserting that current discussions about higher education forget that the university functions as a custodian of knowledge. Uses principles of the Enlightenment to show that the knowledge needed to maintain the knowledge system…

Factors altering the higher education industry include radical change in the type of students, necessity of lifetime education, and new technologies. These factors are increasing the entry of private-sector players. Strategic university responses may be strengthening of accreditation, cost-cutting and efficiency measures, horizontal…

Although the boundaries of academia have blurred, the individualistic and disinterested nature of universities remains unique. Three areas of change face university continuing education: the use of for-profit institutions as benchmarks, better application of the philosophy of independent thought, and promotion of the ways in which a university…

Discusses the following trends in British higher education: funding changes, University for Industry, widening access, and revitalization of liberal adult education. Addresses the prospects for an extended role for higher education in lifelong learning and continuing education. (SK)

Identifies five intellectuals who made distinctive contributions to the founding of new universities in England, Germany, and the United States. Institutional and individual biographies profile: Thomas Jefferson (University of Virginia); Wilhelm von Humboldt (University of Berlin); Lord Brougham (University College, University of London); A.D.…

Argues that the notion of leadership is difficult and potentially dangerous, particularly when related to academic matters. If applied to initiative, concern for exactitude, provision of a role model and authority, then leadership is a description of academic work generally. While the concept of academic leadership is inimical to knowledge…

Lifelong learning is being promoted as a necessity for economic development, increasing the demand for postbaccalaureate education. The Internet expands universities' reach into this market. Institutions must determine the place and scope of lifelong learning within their mission. (SK)

Examines evidence that higher education institutions in the United Kingdom are not discharging their responsibility for program quality and standards, and suggests that unless institutions act on these findings, they may find themselves sharing responsibility increasingly with external agencies and authorities. Evidence comes mainly from recent…

In response to a United Kingdom government study of higher education, three questions are posed: "What is higher education and how does it differ from other forms of adult education that necessitates the separate, privileged treatment of its institutions, employees, and students?"; "What is the significance of the traditional three-year degree…

Two essays address these issues in American higher education: popular response to a 1994 book entitled "The Bell Curve: Intelligence and Class Structure in American Life," which addresses assumptions underlying intelligence testing; and recent litigation and controversy over colleges' responsibility to provide instruction at a level appropriate to…

Employers, individuals, government, and educational institutions must deal with the issues raised as economic change displaces more professionals. Article notes that continuing education should provide appropriate counseling and retraining, advocate portable certification and worker choice, and promote collaborations among education, industry, and…

The author argues that universities show a marked tendency to avoid studying either themselves or the effect they have on students. Various reasons for this avoidance are discussed. (Editor/LBH)