The original document, in all its glory

A few days ago, we brought you the same questions that were asked to the Class of 1952 in their senior class poll, and offered you the chance to take it yourself. The questions ranged in topic from football practice, to student leadership, to Communism; its goal was to “determine the likes and dislikes of Columbia Men.” In general, we found the questions from 50 years ago frighteningly relevant, proving that nothing really changes at Columbia (except maybe the Communism thing). Now that we’ve collected a very scientific sample size of data, we invite you to compare the Classes of 1952 and 2014 below. 

Asterisked questions indicate dramatic reversal of opinion. 

Of the following, which do you think should take precedence in the Columbia Development Program?
Class of 1952: Student Activities Building (26.9%)
Class of 2014: Additional Scholarships (53%)

Assuming equal qualifications, do you think admittance preference should be given to students from remote areas of the country rather than local areas?
Class of 1952: Yes (56%)
Class of 2014: No (55%)

*Do you read the Spectator daily?*
Class of 1952: Yes (87%)
Class of 2014: No (84%)

Do you think preference should be given to prep school boys?
Class of 1952: No (87%)
Class of 2014: No (93%)

Do you find yourself in agreement generally with Spectator editorial policy?
Class of 1952: Rarely (51.6%)
Class of 2014: Rarely (52%)

Do you favor the installation of an honor system at Columbia?
Class of 1952: No (64%)
Class of 2014: Yes (63%)

Assuming that it had been installed, would you report the name of someone you observed cheating on an examination?
Class of 1952: No (72%)
Class of 2014: No (62%)

Do you feel that student government at Columbia is effective?
Class of 1952: No (77%)
Class of 2014: No (63%)

Do you favor an all-senior student board?
Class of 1952: No (71%)
Class of 2014: No (81%)

Will you encourage your son to attend Columbia?
Class of 1952: Yes (78%)
Class of 2014: Yes (74%)

Do you feel that Columbia consistently follows the Ivy League policy of not over-emphasizing athletics?
Class of 1952: Yes (86%)
Class of 2014: Yes (57%)

Are you aware of the activities of the alumni association?
Class of 1952: No (50.2%)
Class of 2014: No (76%)

On the basis of your knowledge of their activities, do you plan to join the alumni association?
Class of 1952: Yes (74%)
Class of 2014: Yes (58%)

*Are you satisfied with the showing Columbia’s teams have made in Ivy League competition?*
Class of 1952: Yes (84%)
Class of 2014: No (79%)

Do you agree with the abolition of spring football practice?
Class of 1952: Yes (55%)
Class of 2014: Yes (70%)

Do you think communists should be allowed to teach at Columbia?
Class of 1952: Yes (58%)
Class of 2014: Yes (89%)

Do you think that the president of Columbia University should be an academic or a national figure?
Class of 1952: Academic (69%)
Class of 2014: Academic (86%)

Do you favor changing the name of Columbia College to King’s College?
Class of 1952: No (86%)
Class of 2014: No (77%)

Do you favor the establishment of a separate board of trustees for Columbia College?
Class of 1952: Yes (76%)
Class of 2014: Yes (56%)

*Do you feel fraternities have a valuable role to play in the college community?*
Class of 1952: [Fraternity men] Yes (85%) [Non-fraternity men] No (58%)
Class of 2014: No (68%)