University

This page is for describing and exploring conceptions of "university".

A university is a space, either physical or virtual (or a blend of the two), in which to study a particular subject at an advanced level.

The word university is derived from the Latin phrase universitas magistrorum et scholarium, roughly meaning "community of teachers and scholars".

How does a university work?
Universities have traditionally conducted education via lectures, seminars, tutorials, research groups, and laboratories. Its lecturers are usually engaged in research, which they are encouraged to publish regularly. Universities confer degrees on students who conform to certain academic standards. Degree types include the Bachelor, Masters and Doctorate (PhD) levels in the United States, though university systems differ quite widely from country to country.

How a university doesn't work
It has been found that between 40% and 50% of higher education students do not complete their degrees. It is therefore particularly important that universities understand student motivations, capabilities, and interests so as to adjust content and pedgagogical processes in order to optimise student engagement and retention.

Research points to satisfaction with the college experience as a major contributor to students’ motivation and commitment. Satisfied students study harder, perform better and are therefore more motivated than less satisfied students.

Knowledge
Consider the following two quotes:

These perspectives tell us something about the way that knowledge is produced, preserved, and transmitted through time by universities.

University of universities
One idealized or imagined conception of University is that of a University of Universities, an educational singularity.