Universities as we know them developed in 12th-century Europe, especially in Paris (known as “The Mother of Universities”). This development involved six issues, which still play a part in modern universities: What is a university? What shall be taught? To whom? Who shall teach it? How shall it be taught? Who shall decide? This study will include a discussion of the California Master Plan (1960) and the impact of these six issues on the three levels of California public higher education.