A review of issues in California postsecondary education in the 1980's begins with an overview: what postsecondary education is, who it serves, how it is funded, state priority goals, and identifying important policy questions in the near future. The coming environment for postsecondary education is analyzed according to population trends, college participation rates, costs of energy, the overall economy, and public opinion of education. A section on California's students looks at student needs and goals, and postsecondary education's obligations to them. Statistical tables present considerable data in this and the preceding section. Faculty issues are discussed: collective bargaining, faculty affirmative action, part-time faculty, and faculty mobility, development, and retirement. Statewide planning is viewed both at the state and segmental levels. Essential elements in the planning process are outlined, including the following: strong executive leadership and commitment, examination of underlying assumptions, definition of the mission and goals of the institution or system, inclusion of a participatory process, and inclusion of an effective program review. (MSE)