The Real World of College

Why higher education in the United States has lost its way, and how universities and colleges can focus sharply on their core mission.For The Real World of College, Wendy Fischman and Howard Gardner analyzed in-depth interviews with more than 2,000 students, alumni, faculty, administrators, parents, trustees, and others, which were conducted at ten institutions ranging from highly selective liberal arts colleges to less-selective state schools. What they found challenged characterizations in the media: students are not preoccupied by political correctness, free speech, or even the cost of college. They are most concerned about their GPA and their resumes; they see jobs and earning potential as more important than learning. Many say they face mental health challenges, fear that they don't belong, and feel a deep sense of alienation. Given this daily reality for students, has higher education lost its way? Fischman and Gardner contend that US universities and colleges must focus sharply on their core educational mission. Fischman and Gardner, both recognized authorities on education and learning, argue that higher education in the United States has lost sight of its principal reason for existing: not vocational training, not the provision of campus amenities, but to increase what Fischman and Gardner call "higher education capital"-to help students think well and broadly, express themselves clearly, explore new areas, and be open to possible transformations. Fischman and Gardner offer cogent recommendations for how every college can become a community of learners who are open to change as thinkers, citizens, and human beings.

Introduction ixPart I What We Did, Why We Did It, and How We Did It1 The "What" Question: A Campus Visit 32 The "Why" Question: Background and Context for Our Study 133 The "How" Question: Our Methods 39Part II The Individual Learner 4 Higher Education Capital: What College Should Achieve 735 Mental Models of the College Experience: Learnings, Earnings, and Yearnings 119Part III The Campus Culture6 A Pervasive Finding: Mental Health Issues 1717 On Belonging and Alienation 201Part IV What's to Be Done8 Stepping Back and Looking Ahead: From Is to Ought 2379 Feedback to Colleges 25110 Messages to Various Constituencies 285Epilogue: The Authors Reflect 321Acknowledgments 337Appendix A: List of Schools and School Features 343Appendix B: Sample Questionnaire 347Appendix C: Aligned Programs for the 21st Century 355Notes 361Box Sources 373Index 375