The Society of Philosophers in America will host a symposium called “Should Everyone Go To College?” Friday at 3 p.m. on the first floor of Bryant Hall.
Originating from the 2012 presidential campaigns, the symposium seeks to address the statement made by President Obama calling for all Americans to complete one year of post-secondary education.
Some specific topics that will be discussed are issues of expense associated with higher education, the extent of growth of a higher education student, how to prepare students in the public education system for college and how to finance these efforts.
Hosted by sponsors such as the American Philosophical Association, Mississippi Humanities Council, and various departments from The University of Mississippi, panelists from states all over the nation will be speaking, addressing the debate from different angles.
The symposium will feature the panelists in the first session, then after a brief intermission the second session will be a conversation in which the audience can participate and ask questions.
The Oxford public as well as individuals from various educational institutions all over North Mississippi have been invited to attend.
The panelists for the event are Associate Dean of theSchool of Education Dr. Amy Wells Dolan, Dr. Tommy Curry from Texas A&M University, Dr. Bertha Manninen from Arizona State University and Dr. Chris Surprenant from the University of New Orleans.
Topics to be discussed include race as it is involved in education, the history of higher education and philosophy as it relates to various issues in education.
“The goal behind my talk is to use history to inform those in attendance about college schooling,” Dolan said. “While we do not necessarily want to repeat history, studying it liberates us to have informed discussions and decision making on the situation.”
“Given the financial situation of many universities across this country, many might be unwilling to engage in these sorts of discussions about whether or not individuals should be attending college,” Suprenant said regarding the topic of the symposium.
The goal of the event is to raise awareness on the different perspectives of education, according to Executive Director of SOPHIA Dr. Eric Weber.
“While it is proven that higher education alleviates issues of poverty and helps diminish heath difficulties in communities as well as enhance them, we ultimately want to ensure that institutions are preparing students for their different goals in life,” Weber said.
Junior public policy major Christine Dickason said she is interested in hearing about the economic concerns regarding college attendance. Dickason plans to attend the event in preparation of her Honors Thesis, which explores college preparation and student aspirations in Mississippi public schools.
“I am really interested in hearing the philosophical background on the issue, since I have heard a lot of economic concerns regarding college attendance,” Dickason said.
Dickason thinks the symposium is a great opportunity and also urges Ole Miss students to attend the symposium.
“We are lucky to hear experts speak on an issue that the future of our country depends on,” Dickason said. “The issue will impact not only individuals but societies as a whole.”
— Amina al Sherif
