Point of View

Abstract

In loco parentis, a controversial term in the recent history of student affairs administration, has since the 1960s been viewed legally as less a part of the philosophy and responsibility of higher education. There has been, however, since the late 1970s a growing tendency on the part of higher education legal scholars and student affairs professionals to advance the idea that colleges are still very attached to the parenting responsibility, although in ways different than the original in loco parentis concept. In this article we trace the history of the term, its decreased utility in the 1960s, and its recent evolution in different and more subtle ways. In addition, in this article we support the view that colleges are still very involved in acting as surrogate parents for their students.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Dennis Gregory

Dennis Gregory, Director of Residence Life and Housing, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC 27107

Roger A. Ballou

Roger A. Ballou, Associate Dean of Students, Carleton College, Northfield, MN 55057