Higher education, an issue of great concern to university students nationwide, is not a major focal point of Patrick Buchanan's presidential campaign.

The Republican candidate has not taken an official public stance on higher education issues, said Tom Kilgannon, Buchanan campaign worker.

"I haven't heard him speak on higher education at all," Kilgannon said.

In line with his opposition to quotas, Buchanan feels that teachers should be hired and paid based solely on merit, Kilgannon said, adding that this probably refers to university professors as well as public school teachers.

Buchanan's platform mainly revolves around tax and trade issues, he added.

Higher education is one of the issues that could touch voters of the younger generation but does not figure highly into most candidates' platforms, said Roger Geiger, professor of education.

"It's just one of those issues that is probably not of high concern for voters," Geiger said. "It would be nice if we had candidates who could kindle the enthusiasm of young people. The government favors the older generation."

The federal government's main function in higher education is financial aid, Geiger said, adding that it also contributes to research funding.

"The federal responsibility for higher education is quite limited and well-defined," Geiger said. "Financial aid is the government's most important link with higher education, but it is, for the most part, the responsibility of the states, and I think it's just as well left that way."

Although higher education is not his key issue, Buchanan does have strong opinions about public school education.

Buchanan favors a constitutional amendment for voluntary prayer, Bible reading and religious instruction in public schools.

"Responsibility for educating children lies first with parents and church," Buchanan said in a written statement. "A nation where the Ten Commandments are ordered out of classrooms . . . has lost its moral compass."

He also encourages emphasis on U.S. history, English and American literature.

Buchanan has not taken a public stance on lengthening the school day or extending the school year to improve education, Kilgannon said.