> There are a wide variety of experiences to be had at the academy.

Agreed!—but the use of the term 'academic' in this way suggests it's a universal experience. (I've never heard anyone use 'academic' to mean exciting and invigourating intellectual exploration!) I don't argue with it, as I know that's the way language goes; it just makes me sad, and, I imagine, shapes the expectations, and then to some extent even the experiences, of my students.