by Jacob Rueda
Many universities are putting more emphasis on research funding and their academic reputation, which is causing them to distance themselves from the public. They often focus on specialized knowledge that doesn’t reach people outside their campuses.
Dr. Matthew Draper, a clinical psychologist and former university professor, 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.
Another way they isolate themselves is by not allowing faculty to work in the community. Draper said that during his 15 years at Utah Valley University before retiring, 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, faculty were asked to join a book vetting committee, which Draper was part of. He felt his time could have been better spent helping someone struggling with addiction or suicidal thoughts, rather than reviewing books for potentially offensive language. Draper points out that the growing gap between universities and the communities they serve is a problem. It not only goes against what higher education is supposed to do but also limits how much good research can actually help people.
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 isolated places that don’t meet society's needs.
To learn more, see the full interview with Dr. Matthew Draper below.
留言