The New Consumerism in Higher Education / Joan S. Stark.

Consumer dissatisfaction is discussed as a force affecting traditional assumptions and operating procedures in many areas of society. It is noted that all levels of government are now considering proposals for increased regulation of postsecondary education. The alternative of self-regulation is suggested, and the principal higher education practices criticized by students and consumer advocates are examined. Examples are taken from areas in which most well-intentioned institutions can improve, including recruitment and promotion procedures, financial policy, and the academic program. The obligation of institutions to offer adequate career preparation is also considered. Additional proposals for state and federal regulation have been made: publication of attrition rates and reasons for attrition; publication of federal loan default rates; public disclosure of full reports by accreditation agencies; publication of a prospectus about each institution; establishment of a clearinghouse which would maintain comparable information about all institutions; and establishment of a second clearinghouse which would maintain information on complaints which have been registered. (LBH)

Planning for Higher Education, v4 n3:5/5 Jun 1975. ericd

Microfiche. [Washington D.C.]: ERIC Clearinghouse microfiches : positive.