International Higher Education, May 1995

Why International Higher Education?

Philip Altbach
Philip G. Altbach is Monan professor of higher education and director of the Center for International Higher Education at Boston College.

This publication is part of an exciting new venture in international higher education. International Higher Education, which will be published quarterly, provides information and analysis not available elsewhere. It serves as a primary focus for communication among academic institutions and colleagues at colleges and universities in the Jesuit tradition, noting new initiatives and featuring discussion of issues of special concern. Our interest extends beyond this important group to the broader world of universities around the globe. International Higher Education is a forum for information, debate, and discussion about the central issues facing higher education. It brings a distinct concern, stemming from the Jesuit roots of Boston College, our sponsoring institution, for the role of universities in social and economic development, for the involvement of higher education in the global struggle for social justice, and for the integrity of the academic enterprise. We have a particular concern for universities in the Third World - institutions often left out of the international mainstream and yet of critical importance in the struggle for development. International Higher Education provides a perspective, a set of concerns, and a commitment not available in other publications.

International Higher Education will feature a rich mixture of material of interest to higher education professionals. News of initiatives and events among the colleges and universities involved in this undertaking will be included. Analysis of broader issues affecting higher education worldwide will also be featured. Editorials will permit thoughtful commentators to express opinions on contemporary themes. Readers will also be provided with book reviews and information about current publications in the world of higher education. International Higher Education is the first publication to approach higher education with a commitment to exploring the spiritual and moral responsibilities of academic institutions and academic communities throughout the world.

We hope that you will join us in an interactive venture - our readers will also be our writers. We welcome ideas for articles, news of current initiatives and developments, and letters. As we start this exciting enterprise, we look forward to your support, interest, and participation.