University of Virginia Library

Growing Grad School

Those of us who recognize that
an enlarged graduate program
would aid the University should
look over the projected growth
pattern of the future University
enrollment. In 1966, graduate
students composed almost 40 per
cent of the total University
enrollment. By 1980, according to
the Office of Institute Analysis,
they will compose approximately
35 per cent of the total enrollment.

If this drop does not seem to
appear to be an indicative trend of
the future, let us quote Governor
Linwood Holton, in his address
before the governing boards on
September 1. Mr. Holton stated
that "the most expensive programs
to establish and operate in higher
education are graduate programs.
While there was a need at one time
for more such programs in Virginia,
I wonder how much more need
there still is today."

"Not only are these programs
costly;" he added, "there is also
considerable question about whether
many of them are worthwhile.
Moreover, as we all know, Ph.D.'s in
many fields are a glut on the job
market right now. I would,
therefore, respectfully suggest that
before our individual institutions
start proposing new graduate
programs that they look to see
what already exists elsewhere in the
state or the South." So goes
Governor Holton and so goes the
rationale for growth as a further
increase in the quality of the
graduate programs.

As to the other rationale for
growth, that of increased size of the
college-age population, two facts
must be emphasized. First, various
national reports have indicated that
in the near future, the increase in
the size of the college-age
population will moderate and
perhaps that fewer students will see
a need for going on to college.

More important however, is the
fact that an increase in the size of
the college-age population does not
mean that all people of this age are
right for a four-year liberal arts
college. Here is where Governor
Holton is so mistaken in his
thoughts. In that same speech of
September 1, 1971, Mr. Holton
stated that Virginia's highest
education need is "to provide more
accessibility for higher education at
the undergraduate level,
particularly for students of lower
income families."

While Mr. Holton is quite
correct in his realization that higher
education should be made
accessible for all students of all

income brackets and that additional
training should take place to enable
young Virginians of low incomes to
meet the standards of admission set
by higher education institutions, he
is mistaken in believing that all or
most high school graduates should
go on to a four-year liberal arts
college.