Looking forward to parts two and three. The U.S. university system is a particularly difficult one to answer this question about. We’re weird, in that our universities have the distinction of being “for” so many things at once. They’re places of learning, our major research output engine as a country comes largely from universities, they’re sports franchises, they’re where we train most of our olympians, they’re functioning as hedge funds when the endowment gets big enough, they’re places for social gathering and meeting others, and they’re a place designated as training for many career paths. I love our system, but the question of “what are universities for?” in America, is such a huge question with so many bits to consider.
I've just completed a degree in the UK and your explanation matches well there.
Often, it felt as though the university forgot why it existed, who it existed for and indeed it's over all purpose, which I find ironic considering many of us go there to find out own.
I agree entirely on the left - leaning ideology, and I also agree they are insular.
Many things have happened behind the scenes that do not align to why a university exists, and it shattered my illusions about that time honoured university you described.
I was very disappointed.
Saying that, I have to continue my work and study to complete my purpose, so I am now beholden to the university life for many years to come.
Thoughtful Q and thanks for kicking off this topic, Dean Galea.
For those who missed it, ASPPH's "Fostering Community Partnerships for a Healthier World: A Call to Action and Framework" report recommends: "3.6 Transform schools and programs to serve as educational, scientific, cultural, and social centers for learning in and with communities."
Having worked in construction administration and later fundraising and alumni relations for a university for many years, the university as the place for the creation of new knowledge remains one of my lasting ideals for higher education. I am university educated myself and enjoyed being on a campus for so much of my adult life before now. While I find the current state of affairs to be heartbreaking, I also agree with you that self reflection is always important. Just as important for institutions as it is for individuals. Universities in the US, and especially the Ivy League, have perpetuated the racist homophobic patriarchal super structure within which all of us exist today. While at the same time doing their part to try to combat exactly those things. What a world. I look forward to parts 2 and 3 and continue to appreciate your writing on such important topics as these. Thank you.
Looking forward to parts two and three. The U.S. university system is a particularly difficult one to answer this question about. We’re weird, in that our universities have the distinction of being “for” so many things at once. They’re places of learning, our major research output engine as a country comes largely from universities, they’re sports franchises, they’re where we train most of our olympians, they’re functioning as hedge funds when the endowment gets big enough, they’re places for social gathering and meeting others, and they’re a place designated as training for many career paths. I love our system, but the question of “what are universities for?” in America, is such a huge question with so many bits to consider.
I've just completed a degree in the UK and your explanation matches well there.
Often, it felt as though the university forgot why it existed, who it existed for and indeed it's over all purpose, which I find ironic considering many of us go there to find out own.
I agree entirely on the left - leaning ideology, and I also agree they are insular.
Many things have happened behind the scenes that do not align to why a university exists, and it shattered my illusions about that time honoured university you described.
I was very disappointed.
Saying that, I have to continue my work and study to complete my purpose, so I am now beholden to the university life for many years to come.
Thoughtful Q and thanks for kicking off this topic, Dean Galea.
For those who missed it, ASPPH's "Fostering Community Partnerships for a Healthier World: A Call to Action and Framework" report recommends: "3.6 Transform schools and programs to serve as educational, scientific, cultural, and social centers for learning in and with communities."
as one of many ways forward.
Full report at: https://aspph-webassets.s3.amazonaws.com/FTF2030/Fostering+Community+Partnerships_FTF2030.pdf
Having worked in construction administration and later fundraising and alumni relations for a university for many years, the university as the place for the creation of new knowledge remains one of my lasting ideals for higher education. I am university educated myself and enjoyed being on a campus for so much of my adult life before now. While I find the current state of affairs to be heartbreaking, I also agree with you that self reflection is always important. Just as important for institutions as it is for individuals. Universities in the US, and especially the Ivy League, have perpetuated the racist homophobic patriarchal super structure within which all of us exist today. While at the same time doing their part to try to combat exactly those things. What a world. I look forward to parts 2 and 3 and continue to appreciate your writing on such important topics as these. Thank you.