Jeffrey J. Selingo

As a higher education professional I was intrigued by the subject matter. The author provided rational and thoughtful perspectives that will be helpful for any emerging adult - except that he gives an incomplete picture. While deriding "student services" he fails to acknowledge the reality of the student affairs profession. The cadre of professionals that have, as he characterizes it, contributed to the costs of college have also been the ones on the front lines responding to the demands of both students and their parents. The student affairs profession exists because faculty were unwilling or incapable of making connections with students. Yes - there are excesses in pandering to the commercialization and commodification of higher education that often reflects poorly on student affairs folks (he cites High Point University) - but as a whole we want the same thing (we hope) the students and parents want, graduation and future professional success. Students (especially) need to take responsibility for not being drawn in like kids at the McDonald's Playland...they are adults and they need to understand the consequences of their choices...this is a perspective shared by truly professional student services divisions and Mr. Selingo.… (mere)