In addition to funding faculty and student research, the UCI Humanities Center is forging community links through lectures and conferences such as the ethics forum planned for March 1999. They focused on revitalizing language study, not only as preparation in the basic skills, but also as an immersion in culture. Involving students in the local work environment is another of the school's outreach goals. Dean's Council member Jon Wampler, an executive consultant with PacifiCare health maintenance organization, is heading the effort to have students working in business, government and cultural organizations by fall 1999. Employers are looking for people who can think, present ideas and work on a team.
Graduates have the portable intellectual skills many employers want.
Today's job market, however, is the best in years for undergraduates. Cropser admits he doesn't have the answers for graduate students. Nationally, the scene has been dismal for a long time. Fewer than half this year's humanities doctoral graduates will find tenure track or even good full-time teaching jobs. But it's time to start thinking about alternative berths in the economy for these extremely bright and accomplished people.