The 1981 statewide plan for higher education in New Jersey is presented. The following challenges for the future are briefly addressed: education in a technological society, liberal education for social change, the size and composition of the college population, public priorities and fiscal resources, the role of government, the Board and Department of Higher Education, the chancellor, institutional quality, affirmative action, international education, research, and cultural responsibilities. Policy for the decade ahead is considered in relation to opportunities for higher education, quality of educational programs, research and advancement of knowledge, and management and accountability. The role and mission of specific institutions of higher education and of each sector are considered. Enrollment goals and projections are specified regarding undergraduate enrollment goals, the proportion of high school graduates going to college, the role of out-of-state students, the retention of students, and the enrollment of transfer students and older students. Admission policies for the 1980s are considered in respect to increasing access, matching student needs with institutional strengths, and increasing access to transfer students. Academic program quality concerns, quality and development of the faculty, basic skills testing and programs, bilingual education, institutional resources, and student services and facilities are addressed. Issues pertaining to financing higher education in the 1980s and specific programs, including vocational and cooperative education, and health professions education are also covered. Minimum requirements for degrees and the methodology for projecting enrollments are described in appendices. (SW)