Bottlenecks and friction points

Abstract

The relationship between college students and institutions of higher education has not been static over time. Some level of friction or contention is clearly seen throughout the pattern, ebbing and flowing during different eras. The economic, political, and cultural contexts of an era form a campus climate made up of institutional and student reactions to realities within these contexts. Turning points or lynchpin moments exist within these eras and serve as catalysts to shift the pendulum in a trajectory reflective of the student and institution relationship. The purpose of this study was to use historical methods to examine policy or other University changes related to student life, student perspectives, and reactions to the policies and changes as a way of understanding the relationship between the college student and the University of Georgia between 1944 and 1949. The study revealed several “bottlenecks and friction points” between the University and students. These points included a gubernatorial controversy, student government, class attendance, academic dishonesty, student conduct, and student housing.