ABSTRACT
Lucy expresses similar feelings of confusion and marginalization when discussing her custodial job at Harrison University (HU). The ever-changing university exacerbates Lucy’s feelings of vulnerability and marginalization. First, institutional infrastructures and policies, rooted in corporate managerialism, made it difficult for Compton University (CU) and HU custodians to benefit from their education benefits. Second, institutional policies and infrastructures did not prepare custodians to contribute to the university beyond their cleaning responsibilities, which deflated their desires for civic involvement. Newly hired CU custodians partake in a formal, high-quality, and terminal apprenticeship program that provides invaluable on-the-job training and supervision. HU’s job enrichment program restrictions frustrate some custodians. Recognition of the obligation to prepare citizens for participation in a democratic system implies that certain values, both moral and civic, are to be represented in these institutions’ educational goals and practices.
