Kuh, G. D. 2004. “Do Environments Matter? A Comparative Analysis of the Impress of Different Types of Colleges and Universities on Character.” Journal of College and Character 2. (Available online: http://www.collegevalues.org/articles.cfm?a=1&id=239)
Kuh describes and challenges a recent movement in higher education, a shift of focus to career preparation and away from character formation of students. College is a critical and promising time for value development, and in today’s society, he argues, universities must take responsibility for shaping ethical and humanitarian citizens. An ongoing study has revealed that in recent years students are generally reporting that they experience less value development in college, but this troubling drop is less pronounced in certain types of colleges—specifically, values-centered or Christian institutions. Kuh suggests that more research be conducted on exactly what aspects of college shape character, and he suggests ways for institutions that are not currently doing so to reinstate character development into their missions and help shape their students’ values once again.
