The central point of the policy framework resulting from discussions in this area should be around the concept of improving each institution’s ability to fulfill its mission and meet the state’s needs. To do so, institutions should receive greater operating autonomy over daily operations, pursuing their missions in ways that make sense for each institution. In return for this freedom, there should be a clear agreement between the state and each institution outlining the institution’s differentiated mission, public responsibilities, and means for measuring and reporting institutional performance.

	Which decisions would best be made centrally?
	Which decisions are best left in the hands of the institutions?
	What types of autonomy might help institutions to be more effective?
	Which regulations are overly bureaucratic?
	What priorities does the state have an interest in continuing to regulate?
	What form of accountability is the most effective, given conditions in this state?
	How can each state and institution develop a stable, long-term relationship?
	What expectations are reasonable given the level of the state’s support of and investment in the higher education system?

Click here to read our Autonomy and Accountability Policy Brief.

A goal of the Futures Project is to spark a conversation between policymakers and academic leaders on the public purposes of higher education. What are the public benefits of higher education to society? What are we in danger of losing as postsecondary education becomes more of a private good?

Below you will find a list of key questions--expanding on the sample questions listed above--directed at policymakers and academic leaders to help them think through the process of restructuring higher education and creating a renewed compact between higher education and society. The questions are meant to help start a discussion about the public purposes of higher education and policy issues to be included in the Futures Project's recommended compacts between institutions and the state.

Click here to read our Matrix on Restructuring Higher Education.
Click here to read our Autonomy and Accountability Policy Brief.

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