This heuristic and inductive study proposes a philosophy and models for a humanizing role for higher education in the computer age. The university's traditional role stands the risk of serious erosion through increasing emphasis on technological programs, particularly in the computer areas. The pressures from inside and outside the university threaten to produce increasing numbers of what have been termed "highly educated barbarians." Because computerization offers to be a pervasive and widely-felt influence on society, the university must see that its graduates—both the producers and the consumers of computerization—become humane, liberally educated persons; they must have technical excellence and also an understanding of the "system Man." The study calls for an enhanced new curriculum fostering a "new mind" for the computer age, encompassing quality of both technique and humanity in its students.

This study examines the literature on identifying alternative methods of coming to a deeper understanding of one's physical, mental, and spiritual self. It provides information on one particular alternative program, and presents lesson ideas and options that demonstrate how an art-based emphasis in elective coursework can allow for the next step in each student's journey of personal growth and development.