Conditions leading to the loss of accreditation by Parsons College and ethical questions raised by the closing of the college are considered. Practices at the college that were undertaken under the Parsons Plan during 1955-1967 increased enrollment from 200 to over 5,000 students in 11 years. These practices included: open-door admission for students who either could not be accepted by or were dismissed from other colleges, a set of core courses, a preceptor system, a system that allowed students to charge their meals and other expenses, the use of modern computers, offering attractive employment benefits to faculty members, and using a prominent public relations firm and law/accounting agencies. Problems between the college and the accrediting agency occurred from 1963 until 1967, when Parsons College lost its accreditation. The practices that were criticized at this small, private liberal arts college are today common procedures at American campuses. (SW)
Authors
- Peer Reviewed
- F
- Publication Type
- Opinion Papers
- Published in
- United States of America
