by Robert A. Scott
Of the many complaints about higher education, the cost to families is high on the list. Some critics add “ROI” (Return on Investment) for the student and family. However, this view is often related to employment options after graduation, which ignores the likelihood of graduation at all. Remember, only one-third of those who enter a four-year college graduate in four years. Approximately 61% graduate in six years, incurring two more years of tuition.
College graduation rates call into question an institution’s priorities and the alignment of mission, priorities, and results. They also raise questions about an institution’s recruitment plans and the orientation of new students.
In recent years, 25.8% of new students were the first in their family to attend college. In addition, the average number of students per college guidance counselor is 405, higher than the 250 recommended by the American School Counselor Association.
These two facts suggest that higher education professionals have more work to do when it comes to guiding students and families as they contemplate college attendance. One valuable tool for doing so is “Embrace Your Freedom” by the retired president of Skidmore College, Philip Glotzbach. Written in graceful language and conversational tone, the book offers wise counsel that faculty and staff can recommend to students and families. Through stories of individual students’ pursuits of higher education, he provides direct knowledge to illustrate his major points. His philosophy of learning and experiences as a professor and successful college president are primary sources for his assessments and conclusions.
The book is organized into three parts. Part I, Chapter 1 is an introduction to the purpose of college and what the world expects of a graduate. Part II consists of eight chapters; each is focused on a theme of the book.
The eight themes — steps to a highly successful life in college and beyond — provide guidance and include anecdotes from students and graduates. Each chapter ends with a summary. The themes discussed are the following:
Chapter 2: “Embrace Your New Freedom” describes the newfound independence of college students and the path to creating the person they want to become — a regulating, mature, responsible adult.
Chapter 3: “Make No Small Plans” inspires students to compose their own mission statements, ask big questions about life and meaning, and think about how they may contribute to society.
Chapter 4: “Essential Equipment Part I: Your Body” is about the need to stay healthy and avoid some temptations of college life, including binge drinking and drugs.
Chapter 5: “Essential Equipment Part II: Your Emotional Life, Mind, and Spirit” describes the challenges students face, the support systems available on campus, and the need to develop good habits.
Chapter 6: “Take Good Risks” advises students to be bold and to explore new avenues of study, activity, and friendships. It talks about failure as a teacher and how learning is making new mistakes.
Chapter 7: “Do the Right Thing” discusses ethical decision-making in and out of class. It also interrogates the meanings of intellectual and moral humility.
Chapter 8: “Practice Giving Back and Paying It Forward” urges students to thank those who helped them, volunteer to help others, and remember their obligations to the college that is nurturing them. This chapter can be summarized as: a college education is as much about character development and citizenship as it is about preparation for careers and commerce.
Chapter 9: “Begin Now!” means just that. The best time to start working toward achieving a goal, toward fulfilling one’s personal mission statement, is now, and sometimes we must “Begin Now Again.”
Part III consists of two chapters for parents and others who support a college student. They are about “partnering” in charting a way forward and “letting go.” They resonated with me as a parent.
Throughout his informative and delightful book, Dr. Glotzbach emphasizes both the importance of asking questions and pursuing bigger dreams, and the purpose of a college education for advancing skills, knowledge, and habits of mind. He discusses general education requirements as a means to a liberal education, the best pre-professional education when a specific career goal has not been chosen.
“Embrace Your Freedom” is a valuable tool for all new students, their parents, and those who teach and advise them. Recommending — or even requiring — this book would be a wise choice for any institution committed to helping students understand the purpose and potential of their college experience.
