University of Virginia Library

Significant Idea

Perhaps one of the most significant ideas
generated in the recruitment area was Mr.
Thomas' suggestion that black students
themselves be allowed to recruit. With the
established channels of admissions personnel
contacting high school counselors "what you
have is an adult talking to another adult." Mr.
Thomas recommends a black talking to another
black. He pointed out that many black students
simply do not have the desire to discuss plans
with their high school counselors. In keeping
with the "spirit" of Mountain Lake, no
decisions or commitments were made, but
everyone seemed enthusiastic over;this new
recruiting idea.

Dean Ernest Ern of the Admissions office
told of efforts his staff had been making and
the problems they faced. There is fierce
competition with other schools and here is a
problem of educating high school counselors
that the University does indeed want black
students. It was apparent from the discussions,
however, that the admissions office is understaffed
and overworked. It needs more
recruiters and more money.

The present ethnic studies or Afro-asian
studies was attacked by Mr. Thomas as being
irrelevant. What is needed, he said, was a
program which dealt with the experience of the
black man in America. It should be headed by a
black man. Period.

Administrators then told of efforts being
made in this field. A new faculty committee in
the college has been appointed to explore some
sort of black studies program. A course dealing
with the black experiences in America is
expected next semester. Dean Shannon pointed
out the difficulty in obtaining a black professor
in this field. A faculty member responded by
saying that this is an area in which we "Ought
not to quit and ought not to wait." It was
learned that the Shannon duo made a trip to
Virginia State this summer to discuss the idea
of a faculty exchange program. As usual, more
study is needed in this area.

It should be pointed out that during the
discussion of the black recruiting problem,
much of the conversation concerned the August
report of the Committee on Educational and
Employment Opportunities, Obligations, and
Rights. Assistant Dean of the College John
Graham, a member of the committee, outlined
a number of the proposals put forth in the
report which were treated with enthusiasm by
most members of the conference. (An in-depth
look at the report will be contained in the next
Monday edition of The Cavalier Daily.)

The last comment of John Thomas: "I will
be deeply disappointed if nothing comes of this
conference."