According to polls today's «Millennial» college students are the most politically progressive
generation in U.S. history. They are deeply concerned about social and economic inequality
they support egalitarian relationships among nations and peoples and they believe that the
government should do whatever it takes to protect the environment. They have a strong desire to
«change the world» for the better and are volunteering in record numbers to do so. Yet
Millennials have been educated to be rule-followers good test-takers and high academic
achievers who feel uncomfortable expressing opinions that go against the norm. Their ease with
social media has made their relationships superficial and fleeting. They do not take to the
streets and rarely imagine any radical re-thinking of economic or political systems. Treated
as special and entitled by doting parents and teachers Millennial college students have energy
skills and heart but lack historical context opportunities for critical thinking about
complex social problems and intimate connection to the people they so passionately want to
serve. Their Highest Vocation: Social Justice and the Millennial Generation features the voices
of Millennial college student leaders progressive instructors academic advisors and program
heads who tell us what today's college students need and how the university might adapt to meet
their challenge.
