are universities a public good?

Guest blogger Clare Carr on a debate held today at De Montfort University (in the Hugh Aston Building, photo above) that I was interested in but couldn't attend.

I received an e-mail about this debate from the Leicester Secular Society.  The question "Are Universities a Public Good?" was raised during a recent BBC4 programme, part of the Justice Season, in which Michael Sandel, a Harvard Professor led a discussion on "Fairness and the Big Society".  Having watched the programme, the idea of taking part in the DMU debate was very appealing.

The publicity for the event stated that "we are keen for individuals and organisations from across the city of Leicester to share their views about how higher education could help to shape the wider moral and ethical agenda.  Touching on values, faith, local partnerships and social responsibility, we are keen for you to get involved in the discussion and share your views on what De Montfort University could and should be doing in society."

The public debate, was the third in a series of debates taking place on the same day - the other two being for students and for staff.  It opened with a conversation between the Bishop of Leicester, Tim Stevens (a DMU Governor) and Professor Dominic Shellard (DMU's Vice-Chancellor).  The floor was then open to members of the audience to make comments and raise questions and issues.  It was acknowledged early in the debate, that Humanists and people of no faith had as much to contribute to discussions about the values and ethics of university education as members of faith groups.  The questions that I found most interesting were:

·         What is a university for?

·         Is a degree a private or a public asset?

·         How can universities contribute to our ability to find sustainable ways of living?

·         How can we create spaces for listening, thinking and discussing issues where everyone is included?

The event overran by half an hour as there was such enthusiasm to continue the discussion.

Members of the audience were invited to note down their ideas on a feedback sheet.  A team of DMU students attended all three debates and will be writing a report for the Board of Governors.  The students will reflect on the issues raised during the debates and the ideas submitted by the audience.

Today's event was one element of a longer process.  I shall be keeping my eye on the university website to see how the process unfolds.