Historical Review of Social Service Function of American Universities and Its Contemporary Value

The social service function of American universities is a typical example of the world higher education with its long history, diverse forms, which provides a powerful driving force for economic and social development of the United States. Serving the society is the ideal of American universities and the social service function is guaranteed by the perfect legal system of US government, and thus the university and the society achieve awin-winsituation in service. Colleges and universities in China should learn from American colleges and universities in terms of social service. By establishing indomitable service concept, the colleges and universities should construct collaborative innovation mechanism between university and the society, create superior disciplines suitable for the local characteristics, continuously explore effective forms of university serving the society, and finally realize their own value in promoting social development.