Pressures on American Research Universities

The APS membership is represented by many faculty in research universities. Research universities are both the backbone of the education of future scientist for the country and the core of current basic research. So, APS members are probably well aware of the increasing dilemma in which higher education finds itself — caught between the skepticism of the public on the one hand and uncontrollable expenses on the other. In the press and legislative bodies, the following criticisms are endemic. Universities are seen as out of control; unable to act; lacking leadership and direction; demonstrating poor business practice; and overcharging students despite rich endowments. Faculty are seen as avaricious — not in the classroom and not working very hard (e.g., Prof Scam). Everywhere but in the United States, the American university system is considered the best in the world.

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