2 ms·

> just a bunch of mathematicians holding lectures Unless they are doing this on a streetcorner, they'll need SOME admin support. And, you know, to be paid. Sma

> just a bunch of mathematicians holding lectures Unless they are doing this on a streetcorner, they'll need SOME admin support. And, you know, to be paid. Small stuff like that. I'm not trying to argue that higher-ed might not be bloated -- I'm saying the author isn't connecting the dots. They are doing "things" _he_ doesn't like, so they should stop doing THAT! Except, it should be the consumers (ie students) who should have a say. But why herd cats and build consensus when you can proclaim and get on a board where you can dictate what services people should not get.

impossiblefork 4y ago
The way the Independent University of Moscow did this is that the lectures are open to anyone who will hear, and if you pass three exams then you get to start building a degree. If you can't pass three exams I assume the IUM thinks it's not right for you, and if you do, then you have a decent chance of absorbing the stuff they want to teach. I don't think they have any administrators at all. Instead, they're just a bunch of research mathematicians who will train people who can make use of training. Of course, universities for more normal people would have to accommodate less capable people, who can't manage their studies in the way that proper university education requires, so some administrators and the like may be necessary, but it should be one person at the desk answering questions, not some kind of army.