Higher Education – Lower Expectations?

Is higher education in trouble? What are the functions and values of traditional higher education – colleges and universities -- in an era with so many alternatives? How much should colleges cater to job requirements, the pursuit of bigger salaries, and garnering credentials? Should higher education aim to lead students toward the best in human achievement and creativity? Is it all wasted on the young, or is the cost simply too high?

The Jefferson Center invites members and guests to discuss these and related themes from 4 to 6 pm on Sunday, November 12.

Vast changes have swept through higher education in the last century. More people, through more stages of life, have enrolled than in earlier generations. But costs have risen, student debt has mushroomed, and state support has shrunk. More recently, alternatives to traditional on-campus courses and degrees have emerged. In this facilitated discussion we’ll consider the present and possible futures for higher education. Should colleges and universities aim primarily to prepare students for immediate jobs and careers, or provide some other preparation for future life? Should institutions pursue academic excellence or serve regional economic needs? Does new technology change the value of higher education for today’s students? Is higher education a right or a privilege, and who should pay? Is higher education too woke or too capitalist? Is anti-intellectualism threatening academic life? If we reject false dichotomies, where do we stand?

The discussion will be facilitated by Joseph Graf, Jefferson Center Board member and former Dean of Sciences at Southern Oregon University. Serving as resources to aid our discussion of these broad topics will be Charles Lane and Steve Thorpe, former faculty members and administrators at a number of private and public institutions in Oregon, Texas, Hawaii and California.

The program will be held in the Jefferson Center space, suite 101, in the Old Armory Building, 208 Oak St., in Ashland. Light refreshments will be served. This event is free and open to the public.

Contact Joseph Graf (graf@sou.edu) 541-227-8632 with questions about the event.