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“Paying for the Party” Book Review Part Two: Strategies for Success in Education Led by Students Can Unlock Organizational Imperatives for Student Impact
by Rebeca Bonilla and Dr. Benjamin M. Drury
Within the intricate tapestry of college environments, organizational imperatives play a pivotal role in shaping student experiences and outcomes. Elizabeth A. Armstrong and Laura T. Hamilton’s research in “Paying for the Party” sheds light on how colleges’ organizational priorities can inadvertently perpetuate inequalities among students.
Schools routinely prioritize infrastructure and technology and expansion and, especially at schools with the tuition dollars they bring in. Colleges and universities are businesses, after all, and are competing for the interest of all students in the United States.
One key aspect highlighted is the allocation of funds and resources, as seen in the contrasting approaches of colleges like Bowdoin and Vassar. While Bowdoin prioritizes prestige maximization, reflected in lavish meals and amenities catering to affluent students, Vassar focuses on supporting low-income students through financial aid and essentials like tuition and supplies.
Perhaps most interesting about both cases is that behind each of them stands a satisfied Board of…
