Ivory Tower

While the elementary and secondary public education system in America is widely perceived as being in crisis, Andrew Rossi's documentary argues that problems at colleges and universities are equally severe. Rossi's exploration of issues at various campuses—including the entire University of California system—uncovers several trouble spots, the most serious being the growing cost of higher education, which he examines within a broader historical context that stretches from the founding of Harvard up through the creation of 19th-century land-grant colleges and the passage of the post-WWII G.I. Bill. A number of elements are identified as contributing factors to the rising tuition costs that have resulted in staggering student-loan debt. One major drawback for academic institutions—clearly seen in California—is shrinking governmental support; others include the financial hole that colleges have dug for themselves by engaging in risky investments while mindlessly enhancing student amenities, as well as the astronomical increase in institutional administration, coupled with obscenely high salaries for managers in what are more and more being seen as businesses. The practical difficulties that Rossi encapsulates are illustrated at New York City's Cooper Union, whose president spurred student dissent after he announced his intention to initiate tuition at the traditionally free school. Toward the close, Rossi turns to experimental alternatives to the traditional college experience. While a single documentary can't address everything plaguing contemporary higher education, Ivory Tower does raise many important questions that provide serious food for thought. Recommended. [Note: Blu-ray extras include an opening weekend showing Q&A (16 min.), and deleted scenes (7 min.). Bottom line: a solid extras package for a timely documentary.] (F. Swietek)