Study Criticizes Traditional Role Of Universities

A study group organized by Nixon administration officials and funded by the Ford Foundation has published a report which criticizes traditional American higher education and calls on the Federal government to sponsor the development of alternative educational opportunities.

Without recommending specific government action, the report "dispels the myth in our society that the higher education system actually works." said Joseph Rhodes Jr., a Junior Fellow in Adams House who served on the panel with Stanley Cavell, professor of Philosophy, and five other educators.

Accusing the present university system of failing to meet the needs of its students, the group proposed that the government use its education funds to encourage colleges, groups and individuals to develop new forms of higher education outside the classroom.

According to the report, a majority of students who enter college each year drop out before they graduate. The group suggested that students go to college whenever they can benefit most from the experience, rather than automatically after finishing high school. The group also urged colleges to increase their enrollment of women and minority group students.

Cavell unofficially resigned from the study group last May in protest against the Nixon Vietnam war policy. In sympathizing with Cavell's position, Rhodes said. "There's no question this administration is making a direct assault on the idea that reason still prevails in this country. But, I'm an incredible optimist and I always give the government the benefit of the doubt."

Rhodes also served as a member of the President's Commission on Campus Unrest.