SERVICES OFFERED BY THE EXTENSION DIVISION
(A detailed account of the conduct of Extension services during the
year 1925-1926 can be found in the Annual Report of the Extension Division,
a copy of which will be sent free upon application.)
1. Extension Classes
Extension teaching courses are courses of instruction corresponding
closely with those regularly given in the University by members of the
faculty, and conducted for the benefit of persons unable to follow courses
in residence. The classes are under the administration, supervision and
control of the University. Each course represents a definite amount of
study corresponding to an equivalent amount of work done in residence at
the University, and when completed satisfactorily by persons meeting the
entrance requirements of the University, receives the same degree of credit
as if taken in residence.
Extension Teaching Courses will be organized upon application for
them in as many centers as possible, if a sufficient number (a minimum of
fifteen) apply for them. Application for such courses should be made to
the Director, University Extension Division, University, Virginia.
Three hundred and twenty persons enrolled in Extension classes in
the year 1925-1926; forty-nine of them enrolled in two classes. Twenty-seven
classes were held in ten centers. A report of Extension Courses for
1925-1926 and catalogue for 1926-1927 is published for free distribution as
Extension Series, Vol. XI, No. 1.
II. Lectures and Short Courses
Lectures by members of the faculty of a popular or technical nature
or addresses for commencement or other special occasions will be furnished
to any community which will pay the traveling expenses of the lecturer.
A list of available lecturers, which includes a large portion of the
members of the faculty, with the subjects of their lectures, is printed in
the University of Virginia Record, Extension Series, Volume X, Number 5.
A copy will be furnished without charge upon application.
The Extension Division offers a number of Short Courses or lecture
conferences, lasting from several days to a week, devoted to the study of
some particular problem in which any group of persons may be interested.
These short courses are intended primarily for professional, vocational, or
business groups, and will be conducted by mens of lectures and conferences
led by special lecturers and instructors both from within and from
outside of the University. In 1925-1926 Short Courses in Salesmanship
and in Government were held in six cities with an enrollment of 1011 persons.
The Short Courses to be especially developed in 1926-1927 will be in
the subjects of Government and Citizenship, Business Administration,
Salesmanship, and Current Events.
III. Citizenship Education
The services of the Bureau of Citizenship Education include the single
lecture, the short course consisting of three to ten lectures in citizenship
and government, the citizenship institute, and the furnishing of information.
The single lecture deals with citizenship in a general way unless
some particular subject is requested. The short course begins with a general
study of the mechanics of local, state, or national government and
continues with their application to the life of the citizen. The institute is
arranged upon request in cooperation with the Virginia League of Women
Voters. Supplying answers to specific questions in the field of citizenship
and government is a service less conspicuous to report but no less important,
inasmuch as it meets an immediate and pressing need of the individual.
In addition to these direct public services the instructor in charge
compiles bulletins on phases of citizenship and government not only for the
bureau but also for the Virginia High School Literary and Athletic League
when the subject of debate concerns government. Similarly the instructor
compiles package libraries and bibliographies on governmental questions.
IV. Publications
For the purpose of disseminating information and carrying the results
of study, research, and investigation of its faculty to as many people as
possible, the Extension Division publishes twelve bulletins on various subjects
each year. Special care is given to the task of placing the printed materials in
the hands of those who most appreciate and profit by the works. Most of the
bulletins are issued free of charge, but for some a nominal price is set
which covers only the cost of printing. A leaflet published annually describes
available Extension publications.
V. School Relations
The Virginia High School Literary and Athletic League has been conducting
interscholastic literary and athletic contests in Virginia schools
since 1913. The operation and control of the League is shared by the Extension
Division, representatives elected by the schools in all sections of
the state, and two supervisors of the State Board of Education. All public
high schools of the state are eligible for membership in the League, while
the private preparatory schools are invited to participate as a distinct class
in some of the athletic and literary contests.
In athletics, the program of contests includes football, basketball, baseball,
tennis, and track; in literary work, debate, public speaking, public
reading, essay, verse, short story, and publications. For determination of
championships schools are classified according to size and divided into districts
according to location. A large number of prizes is awarded annually
to the schools winning the contests.
Local or intra-school competition is also sponsored. Through the cooperation
of the Richmond Times-Dispatch gold, silver, and bronze medals
are awarded to pupils who achieve certain athletic standards or win school
literary contests.
In the fall of 1926 the League received an endorsement from the
schools it serves in an almost unanimous vote of principals approving a
plan of membership fees to be used for the expansion of League activities.
The Annual Report of the Extension Division contains a detailed account
of the League for 1925-1926.
VI. Package Libraries
The function of this Bureau is to assemble information and reference
material on subjects of current interest for the use of organizations or individuals
requesting it. The material is furnished at a nominal charge for
postage and packing. Clippings from a number of newspapers and magazines
of general appeal are filed, and bulletins of national and state organizations
collected. Especial attention is given to supplying the needs of
members of the Virginia High School League for material on the subject
of the state-wide debate.
VII. General Information
By investigation in the University libraries or by enlisting the assistance
of faculty members, the Extension Division undertakes to supply
answers to inquiries of any nature. Extended research is naturally impossible
save in exceptional cases, but informational letters answering specific
questions reach a volume of several hundred annually.
