Before you write that fat check for tuition. . .

If  in the next few months you find yourself fretting over those fall college visits with your high school son or daughter — mostly  because  you don’t really  know which questions to ask those overly earnest campus representatives — the National Association of Scholars (NAS) is here to help.  The Princeton, New Jersey-based organization committed to reforming higher education,  publishes an annual list of questions – some cheeky and some serious — that every parent should review before making the big trip.

If your goal is to expose Ashley or Cole to the latest left-wing drivel or progressive fad,  NAS can help. They suggest a whole array of questions sure to let you know the political temperature on campus. Questions include:

• What courses on post-colonialism does your college offer?
• What is  the campus’ commitment to global citizenship?
• Does your campus  have a tunnel of oppression?
• What do you do to ensure that faculty members are truly and deeply committed to diversity, inclusive equity, access, economic justice, fair trade, the climate the fight against global warming?
• Does the campus provide a vegan alternative?  I know some of the books in the library have leather bindings. Will my daughter be forced to touch them?

You say funny but you need important information?  No problem. NAS questions can get you that and also flummox the most seasoned campus representatives. On your next visit, try asking:

• What specifically happens in freshman orientation?  What sessions are mandatory?
• Is the campus Christian group funded by the college?
• What percentage of your faculty is registered Democrat and what percentage is registered Republican?
• How much money does your college spend each year promoting “diversity”  via diversity programs in students affairs, faculty appointments, diversity-themed courses, and administrators whose job is diversity-related?
• Did your school ever change its mascot to appease critics?

Good stuff. NAS has been running the article for the last couple of years and collecting answers solicited by readers. Sadly, I”m sure the responses are funnier than the questions.