Employers, policymakers, faculty, leaders in higher education, and the public all are concerned about the development and achievement of key cognitive abilities and communication skills by undergraduates. The setting of clear and high expectations for student learning is necessary to help undergraduates reach more advanced levels of achievement. In this volume, the contributors use the results of a nationwide study conducted by the National Center on Postsecondary Teaching, Learning, and Assessment to identify specific ways institutions can help undergraduates attain the advanced thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills needed in today's society and workplace. Collectively, these chapters represent work and intiatives aimed at setting more explicit requirements for student learning that are informed by society's expectations. The contributors also describe innovative teaching strategies that can enhance student learning. This is the 96th issue of the quarterly journal <i>New Directions for Higher Education</i>.