New directions for universities?

Abstract

Universities help shape individuals and societies. Contemporary Anglican theologians argue the shaping universities are involved in should be towards the common good, including by creating graduates as citizens. That is well within the mainstream of what universities have traditionally been about. It is also consistent with what other commentators are currently saying. Present higher education policy focuses on universities serving the economy and enabling social mobility. Both those are important, but society faces other and complex challenges which universities should be involved in addressing, including by helping society and graduates seek the good, and, some argue, God, in the midst of those challenges. If universities do not rise to such challenges, they will fail their students and society.