Disconnect: How Universities Isolate Themselves from the Public

by Jacob Rueda

Many universities are focusing more on research funding and improving their reputation, which is causing them to lose touch with the community. This shift often means they concentrate on specialized knowledge that rarely reaches beyond their campuses.

Dr. Matthew Draper, a clinical psychologist and former university professor at Utah Valley University, said universities have drifted from their original purpose of creating enlightened individuals into serving their own interests rather than the public.

One reason for this is that universities prioritize internal research that often has little relevance to real-world practice. That research is often influenced by government and corporations who partner with universities.

Draper, who is also a researcher in his field, said universities prioritize getting grants for research that has little, if any, application outside of academia.

"If I can start putting putting out research saying this method of therapy is quicker, efficient, and cheaper, then I'm going to get the grant dollars, which then fuels more of my research," he said.

However, because that research bears little semblance to real-world situations, practitioners have to rebuild their careers once they see that things operate differently beyond the university walls.

A 2012 study by the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that residents of the state felt disconnected from the university. Researchers determined that this disconnect is part of a broader sense of separation from authoritative institutions, including universities.

The study also found that Wisconsinites believe the university does not prioritize local needs. To strengthen its relationship with the community, residents said UW-Madison should promote its academic strengths, improve admissions transparency, address tuition affordability, and foster positive faculty-community interactions.

Another way universities isolate themselves is by not allowing faculty to work in the community. Draper said that just before retiring after 15 years at Utah Valley University, the school tried to stop him from doing his clinical practice, even though his contract allowed for it.

"The walls have come up. They're much thicker now," he said, "You don't want faculty going off campus. They have to stay in the ivory tower, right? 'It's a conflict of interest for you to go and to work in the community and we forbid it.'"

Instead of engaging in clinical practice, Draper was asked to join a book vetting committee. He felt that his time would be better spent helping individuals struggling with addiction or suicidal thoughts rather than reviewing books for potentially offensive language.

The growing gap between universities and the communities they serve presents a significant problem, according to Draper. This disconnect not only undermines the core purpose of higher education but also limits the impact that valuable research can have on people's lives.

By focusing more on getting grants for studies that don’t apply to real life and by keeping faculty from working with the community, universities risk becoming further isolated places that don’t meet society's needs.

To learn more, see the full interview with Dr. Matthew Draper below.