The matter of the Higher Education Act (HEA) is a serious one. It goes right to the heart of the ousiai, or essential purpose, of our university and of higher education in general. Let us suppose the ultimate purpose of higher education is to better the quality of life and perceived dignity of society. At the most fundamental level, education in the West is a process whereby the learner undergoes a transformation of mind and soul, eventually emerging as an enlightened member of society prepared to engage in citizenship and teaching. At universities such as the University of Massachusetts, students select from a wide variety of intellectual subjects so there is a high amount of individual control in the improvement of minds.

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