ABSTRACT
N o one seriously surveying the academic scene today can conclude other than that the American university is in an exceedingly precarious position. The luster of even the most historic and distinguished universities is fading rapidly. For the first time in the history of this country there is valid reason for wondering whether the university will survive. Alarm- ism may be the refuge of the timid, but any optimism at this time would be little more than euphoria. The blunt and inescapable fact is, the university in America is in the most critical condition of its history.
