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Abstract
This Record of Study involves the development of a propositional inventory of circumstances or events which could occur at Texas A&M University during the coming fifteen year period, and could impact on the existence of long standing traditions of the institution. Following a version of the scenario-generating method developed by Vanston, the study employs the judgement of a panel of senior institution administrators to ascertain the probability and impact of 105 occurrences on the university and its traditions.
From circumstances chosen by consensus of the experts, two scenarios describing the possible future for the Texas A&M University Corps of Cadets and other traditions were constructed. Advisory Committee members evaluated the scenarios for plausibility, self-consistency, inclusion of relevant factors, and similarity to other scenarios in form and scope.
Scenario I describes Texas A&M University in the year 2000 with a student body still supporting the Corps of Cadets and preserving the long held traditions. The scenario depicts an administration sensitive to the needs of students and willing to exert strong leadership in dealing with difficult problems, and a Corps of Cadets able to adapt to meet the needs of the students comprising the future student body.
Scenario II describes Texas A&M University at the end of this century without the Corps of Cadets. The inability of the administration to force change upon the Corps, and the reluctance of the Corps to broaden its appeal, eventually caused its demise. However, many of the old traditions had already become ingrained in the student body and were able to survive without the Corps.
A review of the literature in administration, the American college student, and futurism in education is presented. Appendices include a copy of the propositional inventory and a list of the administrators consulted.
