Tufts University - Jumbo Yearbook (Medford, MA)

Page 12 text:

he 1980’s also marked a sharp increase in the cost of a college education, and Tufts became one of the most expen¬ sive schools in the country. As a result, it became more difficult for middle income fam¬ ilies to afford private colleges like Tufts, and a larger percentage of students were products of more privileged backbrounds. Even so, Tufts continued to provide as much financial aid as possible, enabling students from all backgrounds to enjoy the excellent education Tufts offers. In the same light, concerned students founded H.U.G. to attack this problem of the affordabi¬ lity of Tufts. Helping Undergraduates held events and activities designed to raise money for bright, ambitious students who would not be able to meet the Tufts tuition demands on their own. Through these efforts, Tufts actively fought the burden placed on all costly private universities to avoid a homogeneous student body. The economy also affected Tufts as private endowments and contributions increased. Through these financial efforts, Tufts was finally able to enjoy a campus center — pub, snack bar, office space, and lounges included. The Univer¬ sity also began work on the Arts Complex.

Page 14 text:

Photo S. Wilner . . : ’ t J additions to the Medford campus held a great deal of significance for they continued to foster the on-campus activities and events which com¬ plemented academic life at Tufts. A careful study of economic developments in the 1980’s is not complete without noting the effects of the computer age. Throughout our country, the role of computers grew in impor¬ tance and prevalence, and this new phenomenon reached the Tufts administration. Instead of waiting in long, tiresome lines in Cousens Gym to register, we were assigned to appointments with the computer who efficiently scheduled our course requests. Rather than learning to type on typewriters, classes were conducted on personal computers so that students would be prepared for the imminent presence of computers in all aspects of life. Throughout the country, there were charges that the rise of the computer had replaced interpersona l contact. While this may be true elsewhere, computers at Tufts did not prompt the sacrifice of the intimate relationships between administration, faculty, and students which is the backbone of Tufts University.