Article "The University Spirit: Cloud of Gloom"

Article "The University Spirit: Cloud of Gloom"

This editorial from the Collegian is the first of three tracking the climate of the student body at the University of Richmond. In this editorial, the writer notes that there is a student attitude towards the university and its practices which make them want to leave the campus and not contribute to the university after graduation. This attitude is prescribed to a "mutual mistrust and disrespect between students and upper echelons of the Administration." The mistrust is further contributed to "poor communication...nurtured by rigid rules, adherence to outmoded traditions and a paternalistic relationships" and a "lack of progressiveness on the part of certain University administrators." This lack of progressiveness is attributed to administrators coming from a different generation than the students. The writer goes on to note that the university has in recent years attracted a "better than average" student body, one which is more likely to question the administration, and administration that the writer accuses of being fearful of publicity and controversy. When the university is questioned, they claim that students are misinformed or disloyal. This editorial was written a semester before the University enrolled its first black residential student, Barry Greene. The two accompanying editorials "Ray of Hope" (February 23, 1968) and "Prescription for Rejuvenation" (March 1, 1968) resulted in President Modlin establishing a committee to study student and faculty grievances and unrest.

"The University Spirit: Cloud of Gloom." The University of Richmond Collegian LV, no.17 (February 16, 1968): 2. https://collegian.richmond.edu/cgi-bin/richmond?a=d&d=COL19680216.2.8&srpos=3&e=-------en-20--1--txt-txIN-

The Collegian, University of Richmond

1986-02-16

English

CollegianLV.17.2-19680216.jpg

Richmond (Va.)