Is the doctrine of "in loco parentis" a viable legal theory today for describing the relationship between the university and the student in the United States? The student dissent of the 1960's forced both the universities and the courts to reconsider the basic legal nature of the university-student relationship, but there is still considerable controversy about the exact nature of the relationship. Does the doctrine imply that a university has not only the duty to discipline but also the responsibility to serve as advocate and protector? If so, what precisely are those rights and responsibilities? This study analyzes and interprets court decisions concerning this legal relationship. (Author/MSE)