Educate students -- lecturing doesn't work. Best is working from the best material in small groups of peers and having help <i>available</i> from graduate students.<p>Socialise students -- learning to get on with people is best done with friends.<p>Networking -- done online.<p>Research and innovation -- yes. that's what universities are about.<p>Optimum path for students is now online self-study undergraduate degree. Can complete quickly or as slowly as required. Then go to university if you want to do a PhD.