We live in an era of escalating, tech-fueled change. Our jobs and the skills we need to work and thrive are constantly evolving, and those who can't keep up risk falling behind. That's where college comes in. In "Mindset Matters," Daniel R. Porterfield advances a powerful new argument about the value of residential undergraduate…

By focusing on the role that "in loco parentis" plays on college campuses, according to the author, we are offered a new angle of vision, one that may break us out of simplistic understandings of campus life in our time. In the 1960s, college students fought for free speech and against in loco parentis. Students did not want their…

Societal expectations are rising for higher education to help learners develop into engaged, responsible and resilient citizens of the world. Against this backdrop, the 2024 EUA Learning & Teaching Thematic Peer Group 'Learning and teaching to empower students' explored a crucial prerequisite for cultivating these qualities in graduates: an…

One of the aspects of the university institutional renewal should be to improve the organization of conditions for the support of the student life opportunities. Determination of the student's needs and expectations in diagnosing his resources, opportunities and environment (university/family/local environment) will facilitate the organization of…

Theoretical modeling has been a widely used tool in the student persistence literature for many years; however, only recently has it been applied to the Historical Black College or University (HBCU) context in an intentional way. We investigated a theory of student persistence in commuter institutions at 2 commuter HBCUs (N = 147 students).…

The United States is primed to lose its position as the global leader in technology and science, largely due to the diminishing supply of trained scientists, engineers and mathematicians. This shrinkage cannot be reversed if the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) community continually ignore the untapped talent that exists in…

By focusing more on the educational values of community life and development of the whole student, as exemplified in the tradition of residential colleges, educators can help make the modern U.S. university more student centered, building characters and sharpening minds. (MSE)

The role of higher education in preparing citizens for the 21st century, working for global good in an increasingly challenging social context, is examined. It is argued that while higher education is not essential for individual commitment to the common good, at its best it can provide a mentoring environment that supports individual moral…

Based on existing data about colleges and universities and their students, a study examined the factors in the college environment that contribute to or inhibit students' character development. Results indicate that colleges that take character-building seriously invest significant human and financial resources. A six-step agenda outlines what…

An institution that exists primarily for its own sake--that identifies itself primarily in terms of its resources and reputation--compromises its capacity as an instrument for improving society. Colleges need to transcend their institutional egos and concern themselves with their impact on students and society. (MLW)

Research supported by National Institute of Mental Health Grant No. MH14780-04. Findings were presented at the American Personnel and Guidance Association Convention, April, 1968.

Suggested are three ways that values education, judging, moral discernment, and value-guided action can be developed within higher education: organization of the curriculum to heighten sensitivity to values and enhance dexterity in using them; field study to foster ideas in action; and the environment and example of the college itself. (JMD)

Aspects of the small liberal arts college's environment that contribute to the intellectual and personal development of faculty as well as students include accessibility, visibility, flexibility, the institution's desire for interdisciplinary inquiry, and a reward system for scholarship. (MSE)

If higher education is to contribute to society's betterment, it must aim to produce people of character. This requires basic principles of liberal arts education including time, an appropriate setting, opportunity for observation, and conversation. Religious faith also makes a contribution. Although many colleges and universities attempt to…

The significance of student activities in student development is taken for granted even though activities represent the core of institutional efforts to foster student development. In many ways, student activities may be the most critical link with the educational mission of the institution. Attention must be paid to the quality of opportunities…