Redefining College Education
In loco parentis is a legal term used to describe a relationship in which one person clams responsibility for another without formally adopting them. The most common use is when dealing with teachers and students. The concept comes from old English Common Law. It was adapted into American practice early in colonial society. The colonials stole the idea from the English ideal that teacher were not only bound to their students academically but morally also . Up until late into the nineteenth century public school teachers used it as a role model for their teaching practices and responsibilities (In Loco Parentis).
The 1960’s and 1970’s were full of changing social norms and violent rebellion for the youth, especially the collage age students. College students became engulfed in the ever popular social reformation. Due to their proclivity towards questioning common social traditions, questions were raised about the need for in loco parentis. This caused many shifts in college life and norms. Students were elected to important boards and student government took a leap in popularity. During this time teachers went from disciplinarians and authoritarians to educators and college life coordinators. In 1972 in loco parentis took another hit as eighteen year olds gained the right to vote. This furthered the disconnect of educators and students because they were legally adults (Sweeton).
The 1960’s and 1970’s were full of changing social norms and violent rebellion for the youth, especially the collage age students. College students became engulfed in the ever popular social reformation. Due to their proclivity towards questioning common social traditions, questions were raised about the need for in loco parentis. This caused many shifts in college life and norms. Students were elected to important boards and student government took a leap in popularity. During this time teachers went from disciplinarians and authoritarians to educators and college life coordinators. In 1972 in loco parentis took another hit as eighteen year olds gained the right to vote. This furthered the disconnect of educators and students because they were legally adults (Sweeton).