 | Board of Visitors minutes February 8, 1889 |  |
Feb. 8th 1889.
The Board met in pursuance of adjournment on the 24th of
November last.
Present, the Rector, Hon. John L. Marye, and Messrs Randolph,
Stuart, Noland, McCabe, Bolling, Watts and Gordon—absent
Mr Conrad.
Profr Thornton, chairman, presented the Faculty report,
in which was embraced their report on changes in the Academic
Degrees and their scheme of changes, submitted in compliance
with the resolution adopted at the last meeting. The report
was read and on motion the subjects presented were referred
to the proper standing committees for their consideration and
to be reported on to the Board.
Complaint having been made of the insufficiency of the
water supply from the reservoir, at times in portions of the
University grounds— On motion the following resolutions were
adopted:
1. Resolved that, W. C. N. Randolph and Mason Gordon, of the
Visitors, with Profrs Smith and Thornton of the Faculty be appointed
a Committee to confer with the authorities of the City
of Charlottesville & to make satisfactory arrangements for such
to have from the water works, as will remove the difficulties
which at times prevent a good supply at necessary points on
the University grounds.
2. Resolved that, in the event no plan can be adopted agreeable
alike to the authorities of the City and to the Committee,
that the Committee be authorized to make such independent arrangements
as they may deem necessary.
The Committee on Grounds and Buildings submitted their report
which was read and on the recommendation of the report the
following resolutions accompanying the same were on motion adopted.
1. Resolved that, the plan submitted for the enlargement of
the Dissecting Hall is hereby approved—and that the estimated
cost thereof, to wit, the sum of Fifteen hundred dollars be appropriated,
to be expended under the supervision of the Proctor.
2. Resolved that, the Proctor proceed to improve the Medical
Hall, by running a new stairway from the intermediate floor, to
the upper floor of said Hall, and that he put the said upper
floor in good condition for occupancy by the Professors of Medicine.
The petition of Mr Baker, Librarian, for an increase of
his salary was read and considered:
On motion resolved that, the salary of the Librarian be
increased $250. making his salary $1000. this increase to date
from the beginning of the present session, 1888-89.
On motion the Board adjourned to meet to-morrow morning
at 9 oclock.
Secretary.
University of Va Feb 9th 1889
The Board met in pursuance of adjournment on yesterday.
Present. The same members as on yesterday with the exception
of Dr Randolph.
A communication from Mrs Maria Jefferson Shine of the
State of Florida, requesting that her son, Francis Epps Shine,
be placed on the basis of a Virginia student as to tuition at
the University, being laid before the Board and considered on
motion, Resolved that the Board accord the desired privilege
with pleasure.
Resolved that, the Professor of Latin be authorized to
reestablish a class in intermediate Latin.
A letter from Benj. F. Brown, Esq, One of the Executors
of Mrs E. H. Birely decd addressed to Major Peyton, Proctor,
dated Decr 22d 1888 in which was inclosed a check for $3096.76
being a portion of the bequest of $5000. to the University by
said testatrix, to found a scholarship, was laid before the
Board. In this letter Mr Brown expresses the opinion that he
and his Co-exer ought to be consulted in making appointments
to said scholarship. On consideration whereof, on motion the
following was addopted as the reply of the Board, and the secretary
instructed to communicate a copy thereof to Mr Brown:
"The Board acknowledges with great pleasure your communication
through the Proctor inclosing your check for
$309676 the first payment on the legacy left the University
you will accept our thanks for same and to say that we
shall be happy to receive any suggestions you may be
pleased to make as to a suitable appointment to this
scholarship before filling the place. You understand
of course that no appointment can be made until the full
amount of this legacy is paid in."
Dr. Randolph now present in his seat in the Bd.
On motion, resolved that, the changes in the course of
instruction for the degree of C. E. as recommended by the report
of the Faculty to this meeting of the Board, be approved
and adopted.
On motion, Resolved that, Dr W. C. N. Randolph be instructed
to communicate with Dr J. L. Cabell and to say to
him that it is the request of the Board of Visitors that he
will continue to occupy his pavilion during his pleasure and
to add their hope that his life may be spared for a long time
in its occupancy, and to say to him that they are moved to
make this request not only out of a sense of their high personal
and official regard for him, but also from a firm conviction
that his continued residence in the precincts would
subserve the best interests of the University.
On motion the Secretary was instructed to furnish Dr
Cabell with a copy of the foregoing resolution.
The question of reorganizing the schools of Historical
Science and Modern Languages being under consideration and
discussion in order to test the sense of the Board upon the
question Dr Randolph offered the following resolution
Resolved that, it is the sense of the Board that the
Schools of Historical Science, and Modern Languages shall be
reorganized.
Mr Stuart offered as an amendment. Provided that the
action taken on the resolution shall be communicated to no
one, until close of the present Session.
The amendment was defeated by a vote of 6 to 2, Messrs
Stuart & Bolling voting for it.
The resolution was then adopted by a vote of 7 to 1, Mr
Stuart voting in the negative.
Dr. Randolph then offered the following:
Resolved that, a committee of two shall be appointed by
the Rector to suggest a plan of reorganizing said schools and
as to salaries of professors and assistants. Mr Stuart moved
to amend this resolution by adding. Provided that the action
taken shall be communicated to no one, until the close of the
session.
The amendment was defeated by a vote of 6 to 2, Messrs
Stuart & Bolling voting for it.
The vote was then taken on the original resolution and
the same was adopted by a vote of 7 to 1, Mr Stuart voting in
the negative.
The Rector appointed the committee of two, under the foregoing
resolution.
The Committee of two, to suggest a plan for the reorganization
of the Schools of Historical Science and Modern Languages
submitted their report in the form of communications addressed
to Profrs Holmes & Schele respectively, and which read as follows:
Profr Geo. Fred'k Holmes,
Univ. of Va.
Dear Sir,
The Board of Visitors after long & mature deliberation
has come to the decision that the efficiency of the School
of Historical Science demands the appointment of an Adjunct
Professor to assist you in the conduct of the chair.
The finances of the University imperatively demand that
the appropriation for the conduct of your chair shall not exceed
$3500., it becomes necessary to make the following apportionment
of salaries:
The salary of the full professor (yourself) to be $2000.
& a house, the said professor to teach Sociology & Political
Economy. The salary of the Adjunct Professor to be $1500.
said adjunct to teach General History.
This apportionment of salaries will not take effect until
the beginning of the Session of 1889-90.
In making this communication we beg to add that we have
the fullest sense of your distinguished services for many
years in this institution.
Profr M. Schele Devere,
University of Virginia
Dear Sir,
After mature deliberation the Board of Visitors has come
to the conclusion that the interests of the University demand
that for the efficiency of the conduct of the school of Modern
Languages the appointment of an Adjunct Professor to relieve
years of distinguished services.
The finances of the Univ. requiring that the appropropriation
for the conduct of the chair shall not exceed $3500.
it becomes necessary to make the following apportionment as
regards salaries=
The salary of the full professor to be $2000. & a house.
The salary of the Adjunct to be $1500.
This apportionment of Salaries will not take effect until
the beginning of the Session of 1889-90.
In making this communication, we beg leave to assure you
that the Board has the fullest appreciation of your long & illustrious
services.
The Committee accompanied its report with the following
three resolutions.
1. Resolved that, the report of the Committee is hereby approved
and adopted.
2. Resolved that, the Secretary forward forthwith to Profrs
Schele and Holmes a copy of the communication intended for
each of them.
3. Resolved that, Mr. W. H. Perkinson is hereby appointed
Assistant Professor of Modern Languages with a salary of $1500.
per annum, this appointment to take effect July 1st 1889.
On motion the foregoing resolutions were considered separately
in their order.
Mr Stuart proposed as an amendment to the first resolution
the words. "Provided that the action taken in the resolution
shall be communicated to no one, until the close of the
present session."
The amendment was rejected by a vote of 6 to 2, Messrs
Stuart and Bolling voting in the minority.
The original resolution was then adopted by a vote of
7 to 1, Mr Stuart voting in the negative.
The second resolution was adopted by a vote of 6 to 2,
Mers Stuart & Bolling voting in the negative.
The third resolution electing Mr Perkinson Assistant
Professor of Modern Languages was dopted by a unanimous vote.
The Board next proceeded with the election of the adjunct
Professor of Historical Science as provided for by the
report of the Committee.
Profr Richard Heath Dabney of the University of Indiana
was placed in nomination, and elected by a unanimous vote to
the chair of Adjunct Professor of Historical Science, to take
effect at beginning of the session of 1889-90, at a salary of
$1500. per annum, he to teach General History.
On motion the Secretary was instructed to communicate
to Profrs Perkinson and Dabney information of their elections.
The Committee on the Conduct of Schools and the Examination
of Students submitted to the Board through its Chairman,
an outline of the plan agreed upon by the Committee, of changes
in the Academic Degrees, which subject had been referred to
them by the Board. In submitting the outline of the plan, the
Chairman stated that it would require some time to prepare the
full report, which he would do as soon as practicable after
the adjournment of the Board, and forward the report to the Secretary to be spread upon the minutes—should the report as
outlined meet with the approval and adoption of the Board.
It was moved and seconded that the report of the Committee
as outlined be approved and adopted. Mr Stuart offered
as a substitute for this motion the following.
Resolved that, the plan for the attainment of the Degree
of Bachelor of Arts as outlined in the report of the Committee
on the Conduct of Schools just presented, meets the approval
of this Board; but will not be adopted at this meeting as a
finality; but will be presented to the Faculty and their views
asked thereon—with a view to final action at the next meeting
of the Board.
The vote was taken on the substitute and it was rejected
by a vote of 7 to 1, Mr. Stuart voting for it.
The original motion was then adopted, and on motion the
request of the Chairman for further time to prepare the report
in form, was concurred in by the Board, and the Secretary was
instructed on rect of the report to enter the same of record.
* On motion the Board adjourned.
Jas D. Jones,
Secretary.
Jno. L. Marye
Rector.
* See Enactment on the two pages next following this, which
should have come in here but was overlooked & not discovered
until after the adjourning order was written
J. D. J. Secy [Marginal Note]
*This belongs in the minutes of Feb. 9th 1889.
On motion the following recommendations of the Faculty
in their report of the 8th of Feb 1889, in connection with
the School of Biology & Agriculture, were adopted:
1. Establishing two courses of study in the school, each comprising
a Junior, Intermediate and Senior year. The Junior
year is common to both courses, being preparatory to the advanced
work of each. The courses are as follows.
Course in Biology and Agriculture.
Junior - General Biology.
Two lectures a week, with associated laboratory work.
Intermediate - Practical Biology, including Economic
Botany and Zoology. Two lectures a week.
Senior - Theory and Principles of Agriculture. Two lectures
a week
Course in Biology
Junior - General Biology.
Two lectures a week, with associated laboratory
work
Intermediate - Zoology.
Two lectures a week, with associated laboratory
work.
Senior - Comparative Anatomy.
Two lectures a week, with associated laboratory
work.
That a Certificate of proficiency in General Biology (as
recommended by the report in the title on Academic Degrees),
be given on the completion of the Junior Course in that subject,
and that diplomas of graduation in Biology and Agriculture
and in Biology be given on the completion of the respective
entire courses; the latter being substituted for the
diplomas in Botany and Zoology hitherto given.
That in addition to the fee of twenty five dollars for
tuition in the Academical Schools, charges for material be
made as follows: in Junior Biology, ten dollars; in Intermediate
and Senior Biology, twenty dollars each.
As students in certain courses other than those of this
department are required to study Botany which here forms the
latter half of the Course in General Biology, a fee for material
of $5. be charged in such cases, in addition to the
tuition fee of $15. already established.
Note The foregoing enactment, by oversight, was omitted to
be copied before the adjourning order was written & the omission
not discovered until after, hence it appears on these
pages, & is one of the enactments of the 9th of Feb 1889.
Jas D. Jones,
Secy.
Jno. L. Marye
Rector
The following is the report of the Committee on the Conduct
of Schools & Examination of students, touching Academic
Degrees, & referred to in the minutes of the 9th of Feb. 1889,
& was received by the Secretary from Captn McCabe, Chairman
of the Committee, by the mail of 13th of Feb. 1889, and recorded
in pursuance of resolution of the last meeting, as one
of its enactments:
Feb 9th 1889.
To the Board of Visitors of the University of Virginia.
Your Committee on the "Conduct of Schools & Examination of
Students", to which has been referred the Report of the Faculty,
presented on yesterday, touching Academic Degrees, begs
leave to report as follows.
The Committee recommends most heartily the adoption of
as much of the Faculty's Report as advises the abolishment
of the degrees of Bachelor of Letters, Bachelor of Science
Arts & Master of Arts (as at present constituted) the only
undergraduate degrees of the Academic Department.
The Committee also approves the recommendation of the
Faculty that the titled degree of Doctor of Philosophy be retained.
As regards the various courses of prescribed study submitted
by the Faculty, the satisfactory completion of any one
of which shall entitle a student to the degree of Bachelor of
Arts, Your Committee after careful examination of these various
schemes & the most mature consideration of the whole question,
feels constrained to report adversely & to urge the rejection
of that portion of the Faculty's Report.
The Committee is most reluctant to recommend the rejection
of any Report touching Academic matters made by the Faculty,
for whose ability, learning, & earnest devotion to their work
& the interests of this University, they have the highest admiration.
But in a matter which we regard as of vital moment not
only to the future growth of the University, but also to the
development of general culture in Virginia & throughout the
South, we feel it to be our solemn duty to urge upon the Board
of Visitors, as we did in a former Report, that the requirements
for the B. A. degree shall embrace a specified circle
of such studies as are generally deemed most essential in laying
a sound and sure foundation for a liberal education.
Such specific requirement was one of the fundamental
ideas of the Report on Academic degrees submitted by Your Committee
Chairman of the Committee, was referred, without debate or
action, to the Faculty of the University for their criticism
or suggestion.
This idea appears to have been entirely ignored by the
Faculty in their present Report, although all the courses prescribed
for the B. A. degree during the past twenty years &
more, have emphasized this requirement of satisfactory attainment
in specified studies. Whether these courses emanated
from the Faculty or not, Your Committee has not had the requisite
time to ascertain, but it is to be presumed that they
were suggested by them.
From 1865 to 1885, the requirements for the B. A. degree
have been changed five times, an average of once in four years.
Such repeated changes would appear to indicate that the requirements
had not produced satisfactory results in making this
Degree attractive to young men studying in the University, &
the Board in full session has already heard from the lips of
some of the ablest Professors in the University that the requirements
now in force, & which have been in force for the
past five years, imperatively demand, in their judgment, speedy
revision.
Another recommendation made in our former Report, one
which we then regarded, & still regard, as of paramount importance,
was, that, given this prescribed course of studies
(very nearly fixed) for this degree, the conduct of instruction
should vary materially as to scope & method (in some of
required for the higher or M. A. degree. The purpose in the
instruction for the B. A. degree being to give a young man a
sound general knowledge of the subjects taught, sufficient to
form a basis for a liberal education, reserving the more rigid
requirements of specialized study for candidates for the degree
of Master of Arts.
On this point also the Report of the Faculty is silent.
Your Committee is of opinion that the B. A. degree has
proved unattractive to young men, not from the fact that specific
studies have been required (within the limit of ten
schools), but because,
1st By retaining the old nomenclature of "graduate" & "proficient"
(which terms have acquired here a fixed, technical
meaning), comparison has been directly suggested with the more
difficult requirements for the M. A. degree in the same line &
scope of study, & thus indirectly a certain mark of depreciation
has been put upon the B. A. degree.
It is a well known fact that, for many years, at least,
the B. A. degree was regarded by the students as a sort of
"consolation status" for men, who had failed in their efforts
to attain the degree of M. A.; & thus, in time, there came to
be a certain flavor of defeat about it, which caused it to be
looked upon with disfavor, as marking rather an unsuccessful
than a successful college career.
2nd The course of instruction in some of the required studies
(if not all) seems to have for its end not so much a "good
of specialized study; & the requirements for the present B. A.
are satisfied if the candidate attains in his examinations a
certain percentage of marks (lower than required for "graduation")
or a smaller volume of the identical work set the
student who desires the training of a specialist. He must be
a "graduate" in some two (optional) of the ten "schools".
Your Committee believes that it would tend to make the
B. A. degree popular with our brightest & most earnest young
men, who do not desire to become specialists in any line of
Academic Study or who may be unable to remain three or four
years at the University to secure an Academic degree, (as at
present constituted) if the following points were insisted
upon in establishing the requirements for that degree
1st The scope & purpose of the instruction given in the
subjects required for the degree to be such as shall
have for its chief end a sound general knowledge of
each subject.2nd The old nomenclature of "Graduate" or "Proficient" to
be dropped in regard to the rating of candidates for
the B. A. degree, who pass successfully the "B. A.
Examinations" in the subjects required, since these
terms have now acquired a fixed technical meaning in
regard to University work.
[The Faculty can determine what is the best term to employ
carrying the same meaning as "Pass-man" bears in the Universities
of Oxford & Cambridge].
"The B. A. examinations" shall be conducted entirely in
writing & the standard shall be rigidly ¾ for a "satisfactory
pass".
Thus much being understood, Your Committee respectfully
recommends the following requirements for the B. A. degree,
to take effect from the beginning of the Session of 1889-90.
A satisfactory acquaintance on the part of the candidate
for the degree in the following subjects.
1. Latin - [with a maximum as to volume of translating Latin
into English, a thorough course of Roman History &
Roman Literature, weekly exercises in turning English
into Latin & the minimum of syntactical requirement,
so far as is compatible, in the judgment
of the Professor, with a good knowledge of the Latin
tongue]
2. Greek - [Embracing the present requirements of the Junior &
Intermediate classes in Greek, Greek Hist. & Literature,
together with the reading of certain authors
(to be selected by the Professor) now read in the
Senior class].
[Option - In lieu of Greek, a candidate shall have the option
of substituting Logic & the Hist. of Philosophy]
3. Mathematics - [Embracing Pure Mathematics up to the Calculus
(present Junior & Intermediate Math.].
4. Practical Physics - [Embracing present Junior-Nat. Philosophy]
5. One Teutonic Language - [English or German (& German Lit.)]
6. One Romance Language - [French, Spanish or Italian, with
course of Mod. Lit.]
7. General Chemistry - [Amount of work determined by the Profr.].
8. General History - [Amount of work determined by the Profr.].
Your Committee believes that this course can be successfully
completed in two years' time by young men, who come to
the University well prepared.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
| Board of Visitors minutes February 8, 1889 | |