Fullerton : U.S. Education Report Criticized by Professors

Cal State Fullerton professors responded Thursday to a caustic U.S. Department of Education report that criticizes such trends in American universities as a drop in the number of arts and sciences graduates, a “sharp decline” in graduate examination results and a decrease in personal contact between teacher and student.

The university’s Faculty Council discussed several proposals designed to address the U.S. Department of Education-sponsored study released in October, 1984.

Political science professor Keith Boyum, who chairs the Faculty Council, said CSUF’s “commuter college” status makes it difficult to increase student involvement in the university. “It’s really hard to get students involved when they drive here in the morning and leave right after class,” he said, adding that obtaining state funding for dormitories would partially solve the problem.

The national report’s call for two proficiency tests as a prerequisite for graduation was discussed, but the council took no position. Geography professor Wayne Engstrom argued against the plan, noting that such tests would leave the door open for students to challenge the necessity of taking courses to obtain a degree and would mean a hefty increase in the faculty’s workload.

“I think we may end up, whether we like it or not, having to prove to somebody that what we’re putting out is a worthwhile product,” said Prof. Norma Inabinette, who compared testing to “counting sausages that come out the other end of the machine.”