Higher Education for the Public Good

Higher education creates a better society not only by preparing individuals for economic and civic life, but also by protecting values fundamental to a changing democracy. At the very heart of the enterprise is an important but elusive principle that higher education exists to serve a larger sense of the public good. How then, can we stem the recent erosion of this cherished ideal and maintain the United States' status as the premiere system of higher education in the world? This important book explores the various ways that higher education contributes to the realization of significant public ends and examines how leaders can promote and enhance their contribution to the social charter through new policies and best practices. It also shows how other sectors of society, government agencies, foundations, and individuals can partner with institutions of higher education to promote the public good. Higher Education for the Public Good includes contributions from leaders in the field-many of whom participated in dialogues hosted by the National Forum on Higher Education for the Public Good. These leaders are responsible for creating successful strategies, programs, and efforts that foster the public's role in higher education. Higher Education for the Public Good covers a broad range of topics and includes A description of the significance of the social charter between higher education and society and how it has evolve Information about three sustained ideals-civic education, public service, and partnerships and collaboration-that can be combined to create a powerful national movement Ideas for fostering communication related to public needs and conducting dialogues within a community, state, and region An examination of how academic disciplines can support and embrace a vision of the public good A review of four strategies for institutionalizing a commitment to the public good Suggestions for individuals to foster leadership within their institutions This comprehensive resource offers information and inspiration for all those concerned with advancing higher education's civic role in the United States and beyond.