It was decided that the 1977 HERDSA conference should be centred around discussion of the theme "Higher education in a steady state" in order to examine some of the implications for the universities and colleges of advanced education of the virtual cessation of the very rapid growth in both funding and enrolments which have taken place since World War II. Professor Karmel spoke to the theme in giving the opening address of the conference. Our other guest speaker, Professor Wheelwright, was invited to speak on a topic of his own choosing.

Four other speakers contributed to a symposium on "The future of higher education".* The remainder of the conference was devoted to workshop and study group activities: reports from three of the study groups are included in these Proceedings.

* Dr. W.C. Hall was a contributor to the symposium but his paper was not available for publication.