This is Benjamin

barbarians at the ivory tower

October 9th, 2008 | benjamin

I remember hearing a very interesting conversation on >Late Night Live some time ago, to the effect that, although the American university system was more exclusive than the Australian, because students paid (more) for their degrees, they were much more demanding on their educators, and that because this provided more revenue, academics were to match these expectations with a higher quality of education.

This implies that Australian students were willing to accept what was given, something which does not wholly accord with my experience, although there were dull, blank eyed student masses when I undertook studies in the more conventional social sciences. It also acknowledges the dwindling resources provided by governments in Australia.

The accuracy of these characterisations aside, hearsay from the USA suggests that the American model is more vulnerable than it previously seemed in the boom times, and now universities are already finding it hard to, for example, stock text books and provide basic services to students. We also hear that American students are finding it impossible to acquire student loans along with the tightening of credit.

I wonder if those in charge of the Juris Doctor will think again.

I’m not implying that I know the answer, that Glyn Davis is biting his nails over this one, I am genuinely wondering if the change in the economic paradigm that we have taken for granted will have an effect.