Issues concerning the influence of college curricula are considered as part of a background briefing paper for a special panel of the National Commission on Excellence in Education. The objective was to examine features of contemporary college studies to determine what should be protected or changed to improve the quality of postsecondary education. Attention is directed to the following concerns: (1) the shape of college curricula as reflected in program and degree requirements, the ways in which content is delivered to students, and the grounds for credentials; (2) the influence of college curriculum on secondary schools and secondary school students; and (3) the assessment of the effects of curriculum requirements and delivery on what college students learn. Specific issues include: the influence of the changing student constituency; modes of teaching and learning; the potential and limitations of educational technology; the value of various new forms of assessment, particularly "value-added"; factors accounting for the proliferation of courses and degree programs; whether personal improvement courses should be credited toward baccalaureate degrees; whether class contact hours is a justifiable criterion; and whether there are regional variations in college exit standards. A list of papers commissioned for the panel is included. (SW)