ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the concepts of isomorphism and academic drift as they relate to the pursuit of legitimation and identity within dual sector institutions. It presents the historical contexts governing the formation, development, and possible futures of the university colleges. The chapter compares the experiences to date within three of the university colleges in relation to mission and mandate, degree program development, faculty research and scholarship, and current legislation and governance. The utility of research and theory on isomorphism and academic drift within further and higher education institutions, the theories alone seem limited in their capacity to conceptualize the complex dynamic within dual sector institutions. A common measure of isomorphism relates to institutions offering more degree programs, specifically degree programs that are similar to those of more prestigious universities. Despite evidence that both isomorphism and polymorphism have informed degree program development within the university colleges, future practice is hardly certain.
