Higher education: U.S. budget battle, state admissions debates will have local impact.

Weighty issues will confront educators at local and state colleges and universities in 1996, as officials grapple with the outcome of federal budget battles and state debates over remedial education and affirmative action policies.

The outcome of the budget gridlock in Washington will determine the fate of the government’s new Direct Lending program for student loans. Although the program is popular with students, Republicans are trying to impose cutbacks. And funding levels for federal Pell Grants, a major source of financial aid, also remain in contention.

In California, Cal State University trustees will consider a scaled-back plan to tighten admission standards and reduce remedial education in the 22-campus system. But a much tougher prior proposal appears to have foundered.

Also, educators will learn whether the California Civil Rights Initiative qualifies for the November ballot. The measure would prohibit preferential treatment based on race, sex or ethnicity and would affect university admission decisions. And the legal fight over voter-approved Proposition 187, which would deny admission to undocumented students, continues.

At Cal State Northridge, officials are still trying to speed the stalled repairs on $350 million in damage as the two-year anniversary of the Northridge earthquake approaches in January. If the federal government approves, CSUN is hoping for a big summer repair push on six closed buildings.

Elsewhere, the Los Angeles Community College District will get a new chancellor and at least four area schools will get new presidents. Look for early-year selections at Mission and Pierce colleges, followed by choices at Antelope Valley College and Woodbury University.