Among the little truly predictable, the author suggests three truths. First is the inevitability of recessions. Second is the belief that, in prosperity, these good times will just keep on rolling. Third is the fall. Bubbles will burst, myths shatter, plans unravel and pain sadly borne unjustly by those who didn't have a hand in the decisions that…

A survey conducted by the New England Board of Higher Education and the University of Massachusetts' McCormack Institute of Public Affairs examined the technological and demographic changes transforming the region, and investigated the educational, economic, and social issues respondents found most important, industries considered most promising,…

New England's college- and university-based arts programs feed both the imagination and the economy. The region has 5% of the nation's population, but awards arts and music degrees to 8% of the nation's graduates, garners 7% of National Endowment for the Arts funding, supports over 1000 commercial arts-oriented businesses, and 10,000 nonprofit…

Argues that, if higher education is serious about achieving sustained policy to support the arts, it must build consensus about the value of art, artists, and artistic freedom. Politically, more attention is given to tactics than to underlying philosophy. Trend data for National Endowment for the Arts funding and state arts funding in New England…

Massachusetts' 1873 establishment of a public art/design college provides lessons as we debate public investment in the arts and redefine the government's role. Public support depends on developing a broad array of mutual interests; cultural and education leaders must demonstrate to business, government, and the public the connection between fine…

From the hierarchical, governmental, industrial, military model of the 20th century, society is moving rapidly toward a globalized, interactive market. This new order is tailor-made for regional development but also challenges regions to think and act strategically in a world of weakened central governments and growing international currency…

Examines the economic health of New England's approximately 260 higher education institutions using six indicators: enrollment (foreign students/total enrollments by institution type); state support of higher education; private support of higher education; student financial aid; research and development; and library holdings. Offers overviews and…

Analyzes interstate migration patterns of New England's college students, including patterns unique to each state and movement to states outside the region. Discusses factors affecting migration. Includes data on migration of freshmen to and from New England, net student migration to other states, and New England institutions and other…

Issues in the financing of higher education are discussed, including concern about rapidly increasing student debt, the decline in state student financial aid, rising student costs, college presidents' assessment of the damage in various areas of college operations caused by these changes, and predicted legislative response. Issues are considered…

Between 1991 and 1994, college student borrowing increased by 28% annually, higher than the national rate. The highest rates are among older, part-time, independent, and minority students. Rising debt and rising costs predict a growing problem of indebtedness among students. Social and economic consequences could be severe if this trend continues.…

Faced with declining state support, New England's public higher education institutions are stepping up private fund raising. In comparison to U.S. leaders in voluntary support, New England's public institutions have not fared well, for a number of reasons. Fund-raisers must persuade donors that their contributions will not result in reduction of…

New England is experiencing globalization at a rapid pace, including enrollment of foreign college and university students. If the area is to reap the economic and cultural advantages of foreign enrollment, it must maintain a hospitable climate for both foreign trade and foreign students. This process can be enhanced by the admissions and alumni…

Recruitment of foreign students would be economically advantageous to New England. Currently, the typical foreign student in Boston makes international 15 trips to the area in a lifetime. Alumni connections are especially important, both for institutions and for the region's economy. Increasingly, other states and regions are discovering the…

Tables and graphs show: economic impact of foreigners visiting New England; reasons for visits (1995); foreign student enrollment, 1983-1995 and by field of study and country of origin; leading destinations of U.S. students abroad; leading countries of origin of foreign students, 1995-96 and 1962-63; foreign student expenditures and job creation…

As New England public colleges and universities delve into private foundation fund raising, they must overcome a Standing bias in favor of private colleges, a poor regional record in philanthropy, and flat foundation and corporate support of higher education. They must draw on the lessons learned by state institutions in the upper Midwest.…