"The decade of the 1980s was a time of major reform in higher education. Most colleges revisited their mission statements, general education requirements were reconceptualized, calls for campus community abounded, challenges to refocus on teaching were embraced, and much attention was devoted to reforming the experience of student athletes and enriching the experience of diverse students, especially students of color. The decade of the 1990s was a time to implement these reforms. Accountability measures demanded new outcome assessments, colleges reengaged with their communities, a quality agenda was advanced, the faculty role was examined, reactions to affirmative action threatened campus diversity, and attention shifted from teaching to learning. The public renewed its interest in the role of education in general and in the role of postsecondary education in particular. The future of a complex country called for new systems to approach difficult societal issues. Our current challenge is the 2000s. How will higher education reengage with nation building and make a much needed contribution to the public agenda? How will institutions reconceptualize their systems and structures to create enriched powerful learning experiences? How can student affairs professionals bring their wealth of knowledge about their experience with students to this process? This volume of New Directions for Student Services seeks to challenge readers to rethink what is currently happening, to imagine new futures, and to be courageous in engaging with other shareholders and stakeholders in meaningful conversation on these issues."--BOOK JACKET.