Podcast Summary
College purpose: College is not just for personal gain or status, but to make a positive impact on society and the world. Reflect on your life and consider how you can make a difference.
The purpose of college, according to Fordham University President Tanya Tetlow, is not just about personal gain or chasing status. Instead, it's about using education to make a positive impact on society and the world. Tetlow, who is the first female and layperson president of Fordham, emphasizes the importance of understanding that material success and personal happiness are not the same thing. She encourages students to reflect on their lives and consider how they can make a difference. Tetlow's background as a lawyer and former federal prosecutor has prepared her well for her role as a college president, as she emphasizes the importance of justice and learning about people's stories. The Jesuit tradition, which emphasizes inquiry, intellectualism, and discernment, is particularly relevant in today's world, where these values seem to be absent from the public square. Tetlow strives to instill these values in her students as the president of a Jesuit university.
Discernment skills: Teaching discernment, a vital skill for emotional intelligence, communication, and critical thinking, is crucial for students in today's divisive society. Jesuit institutions, like Fordham University, foster these skills, promoting a balance between individual rights and community responsibility.
Discernment - the opposite of hasty decision-making and judgment on social media - is a vital skill we need to teach students, especially in today's divisive society. This involves taking time to consider decisions, being open-minded, assuming good intentions, and being self-aware of personal biases. Jesuit institutions, like Fordham University, are known for fostering these skills, but it can be challenging to instill them in students who are increasingly drawn to self-righteousness and quick judgments. Despite this, it's crucial for educational institutions to prioritize teaching discernment, as it equips students with essential emotional intelligence, communication, and critical thinking skills that employers value. Fordham University, a Catholic institution, has a diverse student body, with around 40% identifying as Catholic, and the rest secular or from underrepresented populations. This diversity stems from its welcoming approach and New York City's multicultural environment. The Jesuit tradition and Catholicism intersect with the politics of today by promoting a balance between individual rights and community responsibility, which is currently out of balance in American society. Catholic social teaching emphasizes caring for the poor, labor rights, and racial justice, among other issues, which can seem radical to some but aligns with the Gospels' teachings.
Balancing free speech and education: Colleges must balance students' right to express themselves and protest with the responsibility to maintain an academic environment. Respectful dialogue and engagement are key to achieving this balance.
College campuses, like Fordham University, face the challenge of balancing the rights of students to express themselves and protest, with the responsibilities to ensure the education of their fellow students is not disrupted. President Tetlow navigated this tension during protests related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, where students from both sides showed respect and engaged in dialogue, rather than disrupting each other's learning. The key is to question authority respectfully and find ways to express one's views without disrupting the educational experience for others. This requires a delicate balance between upholding free speech and maintaining an academic environment.
University Role in Society: Universities foster discernment, social trust, and community building by bringing together diverse individuals and encouraging understanding of different perspectives.
Universities, like Fordham, play a crucial role in fostering discernment, social trust, and community building, especially in today's polarized society. Universities bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds, encouraging them to find commonalities and learn from each other. This process of understanding different perspectives is essential for individuals and for society as a whole. Universities also face financial pressures, with most of their budgets going towards their people and maintaining a campus. Despite these challenges, universities, with adequate resources, could fully meet student needs and invest in research and teaching, staying relevant and contributing to solving pressing issues such as climate change and threats to democracy.
Higher Education Affordability: Despite efforts to prioritize affordability, high sticker prices in higher education make it difficult for schools to lower costs without raising suspicions, squeezing out middle class students and limiting access to education.
The high cost of college and the pricing model in higher education create significant challenges for making education accessible to all students, regardless of their financial situation. Fordham University, like many other institutions, prioritizes affordability and aims to shift resources from merit aid to financial need. However, the market perception of high sticker prices as a signal of quality makes it difficult for schools to lower prices without raising suspicions. Despite the existence of financial aid and merit scholarships, many students from the middle class are being squeezed out due to the high costs. The idea of collusion among schools to lower prices has been suggested as a potential solution, but it's not allowed under current regulations. Additionally, some elite schools have chosen to maintain their enrollment numbers, citing a desire to protect their prestige and reputation. The focus on growth in elite schools is complicated by demographic trends and the decreasing percentage of Americans going to college. Fordham University has increased enrollment by about 10% over the past 10 years, but challenges in attracting students and maintaining facilities remain.
Higher Education Challenges: The higher education system in the US faces challenges including late/inaccurate financial aid, declining enrollment, negative public perception, and potential economic consequences. Investment in education is crucial for economic growth and social progress.
The higher education system in the United States is facing significant challenges, including late and inaccurate financial aid distribution, declining enrollment, and a negative public perception. These issues are particularly pressing for schools that are not elite institutions. The consequences of these challenges could be severe, as higher education has historically played a crucial role in fueling economic growth and innovation. The decline of higher education could also exacerbate gender imbalances and limit opportunities for men in a knowledge-based economy. The political environment, which often targets institutions for political gain, further complicates matters. The situation is reminiscent of the post-World War II era, when Congress made a wise investment in veterans' education, leading to significant economic and social progress. However, today, the trend is towards disinvestment, which could have profoundly negative consequences for the country. The decline in trust in religious institutions, such as the Catholic Church, serves as a cautionary tale. It is crucial that we learn from these experiences and invest in education to secure a prosperous future.
Resources, Impact: Universities, as significant economic engines, should focus on making a positive impact on the world instead of just chasing status or personal gain.
Key takeaway from this conversation between the host and the president of Fordham University, Tanya Rees, is the importance of using resources to make a positive impact on the world, rather than just chasing status or personal gain. Rees emphasized the significance of universities as economic engines for cities and their role in shaping the future. She expressed her hope that Fordham University would continue to focus on doing good for the world and making a profound impact on students' ethics, empathy, and work. The conversation also previewed an upcoming series on the economics of higher education, exploring topics such as gender and racial disparities, marketplace operations, and controversies. Overall, the conversation underscored the importance of using resources wisely to create meaningful change.