Today, I’m thinking about the ways in which the large public research university is the higher education institution type most incompatible with Covid-19. Some of the things I’ll list aren’t exclusive to these institutions. They just happen to a different extent than elsewhere.

First, though are some are “public in name only,” most are still public enough that they are subject to state politics. Many have had to contend with governing boards, governors, and legislatures that expected or compelled them to bring students back.

Second, they’ve become sufficiently non-public to be heavily reliant on (non-resident) tuition, private gifts, grants, auxiliaries, and hospitals. These other sources of money were once lauded as advantages. Now they represent problems or liabilities in pandemicland.

Third, they’ve committed to, invested in, and staked their identity on “student life” more intensively than some other institutions, particularly evident in athletics, greek houses, and the sheer size of the on-campus housing program. Covid-19 hotspots abound.

Fourth, their size and histories mean they have relatively large and dense surrounding communities whose economies are highly dependent on students and employees being on or near campus. This “studentification” means more hotspots and often business owners eager to do business.

Fifth, some of these institutions (ahem, Alabama) have explicitly recruited non-resident students. It means they’re bringing back larger shares of students from all over the country, often without ample means of testing them on arrival.

Sixth, these institutions have grown so large and complex that I’ve become increasingly convinced managing them effectively or leading them ethically is near impossible. There are too many interdependent pieces and conflicts. Too many groups to satisfy.

Seventh, they’ve proven to be remarkably resistant to change. Unlike public regionals, which @CeciliaOrphan has argued are accustomed to change and innovation, large research universities get very stuck in their ways, beholden to what others think they ought to be and do.

In sum, I think many of these public research universities grew unapologetically big and loud. They were rewarded for doing so. Students and others they recruited expected it of them. This may help explain why Alabama, UNC, Iowa are seeing the numbers they are.