The Continuing Story

by Brendan Smith

Not how, but why this untversity is a failure was the base for this meeting held on Tuesday, June 5. Margie-Jean Malcolm placed this emphasis when she began the discussion. The meeting, she said, must begin to strive lor the answers, to seek ways ofproducing results. We have had enough. We want change.

Professor Munz, one of the several staff members present, carried thistheme on. Rather than discussing whether history students should have nine essays or ten, he said, we must look at the "total absurdity" ofthe university as it is.

People were asking questions about the objectives of the university. How can these object ives be translated into new methods? Deep examination must be given to questions such as, what is this course about? Why am I studying this subject? What will l permanently gain from my study here?

These were the questions that arose. The answers began to flow. Obviously people are thinking less superficially about university education. They were not prepared to let the status quo remain.

It was suggested that the whole university be moved elsewhere. The lack of interaction between students, staff and society at large could be caused by the physical environment which is not conducive to anything other than a businessman's 9 to 5 day in these office like blocks. But the alternative view was put that it is attitudes rather than the environment that is destroying the enjoyment and satisfaction of education.

The most promising outcome of this group discussion was the agreement that the University does not meet the needs of our society. Today the total person must be developed, not just professional abilities. As Professor Munz put it "The University is still aimed at the education of priests, statesmen and lawyers", which is utterly anachronistic.

The university in our society must be a cooperative, community effort. University education is only secondarily professional training. Primarily the University has to be the centre of a common, united search lor understanding and solving society's problems.

With this total view of university education the continuing student bugbears of assessment, decision making, student-staff relationships and having a say in appointments, were given their proper perspective. Each of these are important factors in making or breaking the university as a co-operative effort.

Tuesday's meeting did not deal with technicalities. A united voice was raised for drastic change. And this demand will continue to be heard.