 | Catalogue of the University of Virginia |  |
STATEMENT
OF THE
TERMS OF ADMISSION,
Courses of Instruction, Expenses, &c.,
OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA.
MATRICULATION.
To be admitted as a student of the University, the applicant
must be at least sixteen years of age; but the Faculty may dispense
with this requirement, in favor of one who has a brother, of the
requisite age, entering at the same time.
If the applicant for admission has been a student at any other
incorporated seminary, he must produce a certificate from such
seminary, or other satisfactory evidence of general good conduct.
There is no prescribed course of studies in this institution.
Every student may select the schools he will attend: but, in the
academic department, he is required to attend at least three, unless,
upon the written request of his parent or guardian, or for good cause
shown, the Faculty shall allow him to attend less than three.
Students are permitted to exchange schools, with transfer of fees,
within one week after admission: thereafter, no exchange is allowed,
except by leave of the Faculty, and then, without transfer of fees.
The session commences on the first of October, and continues,
without interruption, until the 29th of June ensuing.
The mode of instruction is by lectures and text-books, accompanied
by daily examinations.
In each school there are, at least, three regular lectures a week;
but in most of the schools there are more than three, according to
the subjects into which the school is divided.
Academic Department.
I.—SCHOOL OF LATIN.
PROF. W. E. PETERS.
The subjects taught in this School, are the Latin Language and
Literature with the History of Rome. The School is divided into
two classes, Junior and Senior.
The Text Books are—
1. Junior Class—Cæsar, Virgil, Terence, Ovid, Sallust.
2. Senior Class—Cicero, Horace, Livy, Juvenal, Tacitus.
Grammars.—Zumpt's, Gildersleeve's, Harrison's Exposition of
the Laws of the Latin Language.
Lexicons.—Andrew's or Freund's Leverett.
History—Liddell's Rome, Long's Atlas.
Instruction is given by Lectures and by examination upon the
portions of Text assigned for recitation. The exercise of rendering
Latin into English, and English into Latin, in writing, constitutes
a prominent feature in the course. In addition to the portions of
the several authors read in the Lecture Room a course of extra and
parallel reading is required in each class.
II.—SCHOOL OF GREEK.
PROF. GILDERSLEEVE.
The subjects taught in this school are:
1. The Greek language.
2. Greek literature.
3. History of Greece.
The method of instruction comprises lectures, (systematic and
exegetical,) examinations and exercises (oral and written.) The
school is divided into two classes, Junior and Senior. The authors
read in the Senior Class are principally: Thucydides, Sophocles,
Euripides, Plato; in the Junior Class: Lysias, Xenophon, Herodotus,
Homer and Demosthenes. Grammars—Hadley's and Kühner's;
Lexicon—Liddell and Scott's: Smith's History of Greece.
for each class.
The Post Graduate Department for the benefit of graduates and
others, who wish to pursue a more extended course of reading, will
be revived. The authors read in this department are such as are
either by their form or their subjects less suited for the regular
school, e. g., Æschylus, Aristophanes and Aristotle.
To less advanced students facilities will be afforded of a thorough
review of the Elements of the Greek language.
Hebrew.—The Professor of Greek will also give instruction in
Hebrew, whenever the demand for such instruction is sufficient to
make the institution of a course of lectures expedient.
III.—MODERN LANGUAGES.
PROF. SCHELE DE VERE.
The subjects taught in this school are:
1. The French, Italian, Spanish and German languages.
2. The Literature of these languages, and the History of each
idiom, embracing the general principles of the formation and growth
of languages, and of Comparative Grammar and Philology.
3. The Anglo-Saxon language, and, in connection with it, the
History and Laws of the English language.
Graduation in French and German are required for the degree
of A. M.
Text Books.—French—Junior Class—The Professor's Grammar
and First Reader, Télémaque, Charles XII.
Senior Class—The Professor's Advanced Reader, Molière,
Racine, Voltaire, Saintine's Picciola, Spiers and Surenne's Dictionary.
German—Junior Class—Tiark's Grammar, small Dictionary,
Rœlker's Reader, Schiller's William Tell.
Senior Class—Adler's Dictionary, Schiller's Works, Gœthe's
Autobiography, Jean Paul's Walt and Vult.
Spanish.—The Professor's Grammar, Seoane's Dictionary, Velasquès'
Reader, Don Quixote, Cervantes' El Principe Constante.
Italian.—Bacchi's Grammar, Monti's Reader, Manzoni's I Promessi
ni, Dictionary.
Anglo-Saxon.—Klipstein's Series, The Professor's Studies in
English.
IV.—MATHEMATICS.
PROFESSOR VENABLE.
In this school there are four classes:
In the first, or Junior Class, the subjects of study are the
General Properties of Numbers and Theory of Notation, Algebra,
Geometry and Plane Trigonometry. Though Algebra and Geometry
are commenced in this class, it is very desirable that those who
enter it should not only be thoroughly acquainted with Arithmetic,
but should also have previously pursued the study of Algebra
through equations of the second degree, and of Geometry through
the first four books.
In the second, or Intermediate Class, the subjects of study are
Plane and Spherical Trigonometry, with applications to Surveying,
Navigation and Nautical Astronomy, Descriptive Geometry, with
its applications to Spherical Projections, Shades, Shadows and Perspective
and Analytical Geometry.
In the third, or Senior Class, the subjects of study are Analytical
Geometry of three Dimensions, and the Differential and Integral
Calculus. Lectures are given to this class on the History and
Philosophy of Mathematics.
There is also a fourth class, that of Mixed Mathematics, designed
for the benefit of such of the more advanced students as may desire
to prosecute their studies beyond the limits of Pure Mathematics.
The course embraces the mathematical investigation of the general
laws of equilibrium and motion, both of solids and fluids, with a
variety of applications, especially to Physical Astronomy.
The instruction in each class is conveyed partly by lectures,
and partly by the systematic study of approved text-books, the
student being assisted by full and frequent explanations from the
Professor, and being constantly subjected to rigid examinations.
The progress of the student in every class is also tested by his
being required to perform written exercises, in which the principles
acquired are applied to the solution of particular problems.
Any student entering the school has the privilege of attending
all or any of the classes, as he may select, and if prepared to enter
an advanced class, may often find it highly advantageous to review
his previous studies by attendance on a lower class also.
Text Books.—1. Junior Class.—Algebra, Legendre's Geometry
and Trigonometry.
2. Intermediate Class.—Pierce's Trigonometry, Church's Descriptive
Geometry, Puckle's Conic Sections.
3. Senior Class.—Courtenay's Calculus.
4. Class of Mixed Mathematics.—Pratt's Mechanical Philosophy.
V.—NATURAL PHILOSOPHY.
PROFESSOR SMITH.
There are three classes in this school.
1. The Junior or General Class, which meets three times each
week throughout the session of nine months. The object of the
course of lectures to this class is to furnish the student with a
comprehensive view of Modern Physics, and to make him familiar
with its methods of investigation. With the design of laying a
thoroughly scientific basis for the course, a large space is given at
the outset to the discussion of the cardinal doctrines of motion and
force. These doctrines are established, and their leading consequences
are traced, without the use of mathematical symbols.
Guided by these truths, the teacher discusses, in the light of
experiment, the structure of matter according to the received
atomic hypotheses, and the equilibrium and motion of solids and
fluids. These topics, with various applications, occupy the first
half of the course of lectures.
The remainder of the course is devoted to Molecular Physics,
and treats of Capillarity, Osmose, Wave Motion, Sound, Light,
Heat and Electricity. In this as in the previous portion of the
lectures, the established laws of motion and force are kept steadily
in view, and an attempt is made so to present and discuss the phenomena
as to convince the student that the entire body of Physics
is a coherent and harmonious system of mechanical truth.
Throughout the session constant reference is had to the wants of
students in the several departments of Applied Science.
Text Book.—Silliman's Physics.
2. The Senior Class.—This class meets twice a week, and studies
Mechanics and Astronomy.
Text Books.—Jackson's or Smith's Mechanics, Norton's Astronomy.
MINERALOGY AND GEOLOGY.
3. These subjects are assigned to a separate class, which the
members of the other classes in the school may attend without payment
of an additional fee. In this class the lectures commence
with general Mineralogy, which is treated with especial reference
to Geology, to which it is designed to be an introduction. In the
lectures on Geology, the specific identity of ancient and modern
Geological causes is pointed out; the present action of these causes,
whether atmospheric, aqueous or igneous, is considered, and their
effects in the past history of our planet are examined. The illustrations
are drawn, as far as practicable, from the Geological
structure of Virginia.
The students have an opportunity of familiarizing themselves
with the minerals, rocks and fossils exhibited in the lectures.
Text Books.—Dana's Manuals of Mineralogy and Geology.
VI.—CHEMISTRY.
PROFESSOR MAUPIN.
The course of lectures in this school commences with an exposition
of the phenomena and laws of Heat, Light and Electricity,
to the extent rendered necessary by their relations to Chemistry.
The subject of Inorganic Chemistry is then taken up. The
nomenclature, chemical symbols and notation are explained, and
the history of the non-metalic elements and their combinations with
each other very fully presented. Then follows a discussion of the
general principles of Chemical Philosophy, including the Laws of
Combination, the Atomic Theory and Theory of Volumes, and
Simple and Current Affinity.
The consideration of the Metals comes next in order. After
preliminary notices of their general properties, they are taken up
with the non-metalic elements, and their saline combinations.
The concluding part of the course is devoted to organic Chemistry,
embracing the consideration of organic Analysis; the Neutral
Principles and their transformations by the action of ferments and
other agencies; the Doctrine of Compound Radicals; the various
series in which such radicals have been traced; the Vegetable
Acids; the Alkaloids, &c.
The processes for detecting Poisons, and the means of counteracting
their effects are presented in their proper connections; and
throughout the course the applications of the facts and principles
of the science to Medicine, Agriculture and the Arts, are duly
noticed.
Books recommended.—Fownes' Chemistry, as a text-book;
Graham's Elements, Regnault's Elements, Miller's Elements, and
Abel & Bloxam's Hand-book of Chemistry for reference.
VII.—SCHOOL OF CIVIL ENGINEERING.
PROFESSORS VENABLE, SMITH AND MAUPIN.
The course of instruction in this school will, in general, occupy
the attention of the student for two sessions.
The studies of the first session are those pursued in the schools
of Mathematics, Natural Philosophy, Mineralogy and Geology, and
Chemistry; together with lessons in Geometrical Drawing.
Students who desire to accomplish the full course of Engineering,
in two sessions, should come prepared to enter the Intermediate and
Senior classes in the school of Mathematics.
The studies pursued during the second session are:
1. With the Professor of Mathematics and the Teacher of Drawing:
Higher Geodesy, Spherical Astronomy, Levelling Roads and
Railways, Theory and Use of Instruments, Geometrical Drawing,
Applications of Descriptive Geometry to Shades, Shadows, and
Perspective, Stone cutting; Field Practice.
2. With the Professor of Natural Philosophy: Strength of
Materials, Resistances, Structures in Wood, Iron and Stone;
Machinery, Hydraulic Engineering, Steam Engine, Meteorology
and use of Meteorological Instruments.
3. With the Professor of Chemistry: Metallurgy, Metallurgical
Implements, Structures and Processes; Assay of Ores and Alloys;
Details of the Smelting of Iron, Copper, Lead, Zinc, &c.
Since many of the standard works to which the student of
Engineering will be referred are in French, it is desirable that he
should have a sufficient knowledge of that language to enable him
to read them with facility.
VIII.—MORAL PHILOSOPHY.
PROFESSOR MCGUFFEY.
There are two classes in this school:
I. The class in Mental Philosophy.
II. The class in Political Economy.
Books requisite for the class in Mental Philosophy:
1. Hamilton's Lectures on Metaphysics.
2. Hamilton's Lectures on Logic.
3. Cousin's True, Beautiful and Good.
4. Jouffroy's Ethics.
5. Stewart's Active and Moral Powers.
6. Alexander's Moral Science.
7. Butler's Analogy and Sermons.
Books required on Political Economy:
Say's Political Economy.
J. S. Mill's Political Economy, latest edition.
Three lectures each week are given to the class in Mental
Philosophy, and two lectures each week to the class on Political
Economy.
HISTORY AND GENERAL LITERATURE.
(Including Composition and Rhetoric.)
PROFESSOR HOLMES.
This school is divided into two distinct Classes, one of History
and one of Literature. To the former, three Lectures in the week
will be devoted; to the latter two; but exercises in literary composition
are required from the members of the Literary Class. Each
study may be pursued separately. A diploma is granted for proficiency
in either.
In the Historical Class the successions, revolutions and various
aspects of the principal nations of the world are considered in such
a manner as to afford a general and connected view of the progress
of political and social organizations. Institutions and laws are
noted as the manifestations of different phases of society; an
attempt is made to discover and elucidate the conditions of historical
advancement, and to reduce the changes of nations and governments
to the operation of regular principles.
In the absence of appropriate text books, the following are
employed for study and reference:
Schmitz's Manual of Ancient History; Smith's History of
Greece; Gibbon Abridged by Smith; Taylor's Manual of Modern
History.
For reference: Long's Ancient Atlas; Appleton's (College)
Atlas or Chambers' Atlas; Blair's Chronology, Bohn's edition.
In the Class of Literature, the English Language, English Composition,
Rhetoric, and the English Classics, with the History of
English Literature, are studied.
The origin, growth, and philological peculiarities of the Language
will be considered; the various influences, domestic and external,
by which it has been brought to its present condition will be
explained; the general principles of Rhetoric and Criticism will be
taught; the lives of the most eminent authors in the language will be
studied in their historical order and connection; and the critical
examination and appreciation of their chief productions will occupy
much of the time of the student. The Class will also be required
to practice Literary Composition.
Text Books in this department are very deficient. The following
will be used for the present:
Spalding's History of English Literature; Bain's English Composition
and Rhetoric; Shaw's Outlines of General Literature;
Shakspeare; and Aikin's British Poets.
Medical Department.
Medical Faculty.
H. HOWARD, M. D.,
Professor of Medical Jurisprudence, Obstetrics and Practice of
Medicine.
Text-books.—Taylor's Medical Jurisprudence, Meigs' Obstetrics
and Flint's Practice, 2d edition.
J. L. CABELL, M. D.,
Professor of Comparative Anatomy, Physiology and Surgery.
Text-books.—Dalton's Physiology and Druitt's Modern Surgery.
J. S. DAVIS, M. D.,
Professor of Anatomy, Materia Medica and Botany.
Text-books.—Wilson's Anatomy and Dunglison's Therapeutics.
S. MAUPIN, M. D.,
Professor of Chemistry and Pharmacy.
Text-books.—Fownes' Chemistry and Parrish's Pharmacy.
J. E. CHANCELLOR, M. D.,
Demonstrator of Anatomy.
The Faculty invite the attention of physicians to the peculiar
features of the Medical Department of this Institution.
1. Length of Session.—Nearly all the Medical Schools of this
country are located in our cities or large towns, and have only a
nominal connexion with the colleges from which they borrow their
names and chartered privileges. In these schools the usual length
of a session is from four to five months. In order to embrace all
the important branches of Medical Science in a course of instruction
compressed into so short a term, it is found necessary to
employ the services of six or seven Professors, who deliver six
all the tickets, are required to spend nearly the whole of the day in
listening to lectures, delivered in rapid succession, and treating of
diverse topics. None but those who have had personal experience
in this matter, can fully appreciate the troubles and difficulties
which beset a student when he first enters the school, the fatigue of
body and perplexity of mind which he inevitably experiences in
his painful efforts to hear every lecture and master every subject.
In attempting, after the close of the lectures for the day, to bring
in review the topics discussed by his teachers, he finds links in the
chain here and there broken; he flies from one subject of thought
to another, without adequately mastering any, and confounded by
their number, and the utter impossibility of keeping pace, in his
private reading at night, with the lectures of six Professors, he
despairs of doing more than retaining such portion of the facts
stated in the lectures as may happen to make the strongest impression
on his mind.
In the Medical Department of this Institution, the length of the
session, which is nine months, enables four Professors to perform
all the duties which are elsewhere assigned to six. The students
attend but two lectures a day, and thus have ample time for private
reading, and for pursuing their Anatomical dissections. The
supply of subjects is ample, and the Demonstrator devotes the
whole of every afternoon to his duties. He guides the labors of
those who are at work, and explains to them the structures which
are successively exposed.
2. System of Daily Examinations.—Immediately before each
lecture, the students in every school of the University are subjected
to a rigid examination on the subject of the preceding
lecture, or on portions of some approved text-book. Experience
has shown that this is an almost indispensable adjunct to the system
of teaching by lectures; and the recognition of its importance is
so general, that students in other medical schools, where its efficient
introduction is precluded by want of time, often resort to the
expedient of employing the services of private instructors by whom
they may be examined at night on the topics discussed, each day,
in the lecture-room. The fee paid by the students, for this necessary
the term of lectures, and is usually about $100 for the whole year.
The enactments of the University prescribe that no Professor
shall engage in pursuits unconnected with its service, or shall
receive from the members of his class any compensation besides
that provided for by the laws. They further require every Professor
to reside within the precincts, for the purpose both of assisting to
enforce the discipline of the college, and of being accessible to the
students who may seek aid in their hours of private study. These
students, then, enjoy advantages here which elsewhere are purchased
at a high price over and above the necessary collegiate
expenses.
3. Order of Studies.—All medical colleges aim to place medical
education on a scientific basis. Indeed, if the practice of the
healing art is not based on general principles, embodied in the
fundamental sciences of Anatomy, Chemistry, Physiology, Pathology
and Therapeutics, these branches of medical science might as well
be omitted in a course of Professional education. If, however,
this relation does exist, the propriety and necessity of laying a good
foundation before the superstructure can be reared, are too obvious
to need illustration. This cannot be done in schools, where the
courses on the different branches of medicine are carried on
simultaneously. Their system assumes that the students have
"read," as it is termed, with a preceptor for a year, at least, before
they commence their attendance on lectures. Such, however, is
not always the case, and when it occurs, is of comparatively little
benefit; for the paramount duties of the practitioner absorb his
time, and the fundamental branches of medical science are precisely
those demanding for their illustration the appliances which
are only to be found within the walls of colleges. The Anatomical
Department for example, is here enriched by a collection of about
two hundred large paintings, executed to order, with great fidelity and
beauty.
It is one of the peculiar advantages of the University Medical
School, that it unites, as may have been inferred from the preceding
remarks, the plan of instruction by private pupilage with that of
public lectures; while the length of the session enables the Professors
afford the students an opportunity of mastering the elementary
branches before attention is directed to their practical application.
4. Conditions of Graduation. The regulations for graduation
elsewhere require that the student shall have attended two full
courses of Medical lectures, and shall have been the private pupil,
for at least a year, of a respectable practitioner of Medicine. At
this University, a consecutive course of nine months being at least
equivalent to two courses in most other schools, in respect to the
time employed and the advantageous distribution of the subjects of
study, the students are permitted to take their diplomas at the end
of one session, if they show themselves qualified. The severity
of the examinations deters a large majority of the class from
making the trial, and none but the perseveringly diligent attain the
honor.
The importance of the advantages thus claimed for the Medical
Department of this Institution, has been tested by the experience
of forty years, during which several thousand medical students have
been educated here.
5. It will be noticed that those students who prefer taking their
diploma at a city school, will yet find it highly beneficial to attend
the first course at an Institution organized on the plan of the
Medical Department of the University, where the lengthened term,
the consecutive arrangement of studies, and the thorough drilling,
prepare them to appreciate and improve the advantages they may
afterwards enjoy.
Law School.
PROFESSOR MINOR.
PROFESSOR SOUTHALL.
The object of this school is to acquaint the student familiarly and
practically with the principles of his profession. With this view,
instruction (which is designed to be as thorough as possible) is
given partly through text-books and daily examinations upon the
subjects taught, partly by comments intended to supply what is
deficient and explain what is obscure in the text, and partly also by
independent lectures.
A Moot Court is instituted in connection with the school, upon a
plan which experience has shown to be well calculated to perfect the
student in the details of practice. Under the immediate superintendence
of the Professors, he is required to pronounce opinions
upon supposed cases; to devise and to institute remedies, by suit or
otherwise; to conduct suits at law and in chancery, from their
inception, through all their stages; to draw wills, conveyances and
other assurances; and, in short, to perform most of the functions
of a practising lawyer.
The School comprises two Departments, each of which is divided
into two classes, and the course of study therein is as follows:
DEPARTMENT OF COMMON AND STATUTE LAW.
PROFESSOR MINOR.
Junior Class.—Blackstone's Commentaries, Chitty on Contracts.
Senior Class.—Stephen on Pleading, Kent's Commentaries, Law
of Executors, &c.
For Reference.—Virginia Code of 1860, Brightley's Digest
of United State Statutes.
DEPARTMENT OF EQUITY, MERCANTILE, INTERNATIONAL AND CONSTITUTIONAL
LAW, AND GOVERNMENT, Etc.
PROFESSOR SOUTHALL.
Junior Class.—Vattel's International Law, Lectures on Government,
Federalist.
Senior Class.—Smith's Mercantile Law, Greenleaf's Evidence,
Barton's Suit in Equity, Adam's Equity.
The degree of Bachelor of Law is conferred upon those who,
upon examination, manifest a familiar acquaintance with the
subjects taught in all the classes; and to those who exhibit a
competent knowledge of International and Constitutional Law,
and of the Science of Government, a certificate of proficiency is
awarded.
All the books required in the several schools can be procured at
the book stores near the University on reasonable terms.
SCHEME OF LECTURES.
| Monday. | Tuesday. | Wednesday. | Thursday. | Friday. | Saturday. | |
| 8h. 9h. | Sen. Latin. | Jun. French. Sen. Greek. |
Sen. Latin. | Jun. French. | Sen. Latin. | Jun. Germ'n. |
| 9h. | Sen. Greek. Jun. Latin. |
Jun. German | Sen. Greek. Jun. Latin. |
Sen. French. | Sen. Greek. Jun. Latin. |
Sen. French. |
| 11h. | Hist. & Lit. Sen Nat Phil. Spanish. Phys. & Surg. 9:30 to 11. |
His. & Lit. | Hist. & Lit. Sen Nat Phil. Spanish. Phys. & Surg. 9:30 to 11. |
Hist. & Lit. | Hist. & Lit. Sen Nat Phil. Phys & Surg. 9:30 to 11. |
Min. & Geo. |
| Medicine. 9:30 to 11. |
Medicine. 9:30 to 11. |
Medicine. 9:30 to 11. |
||||
| 11h. 12½1 | Chemistry. Sen. Math. Jun. Law. Prof. Minor. |
Jun Nat Phil. Anatomy. Sen. Law. Prof. Minor. |
Chemistry. Sen. Math. Jun. Law. |
Jun Nat Phil. Anatomy. Sen. Law. |
Chemistry. Sen. Math. Jun. Law. |
Jun Nat Phil Anatomy. Sen. Law. |
| 12½h. 21 | Sen. German. Sen. Law. Prof. Southall |
Jun. Greek. Jun. Law. Prof. Southall |
Sen. German. | Int. Math. | Jun. Greek. | Int. Math. |
| Sen. Law. | Jun. Law. | Sen. Law. | Jun. Law. | |||
| 3h. 4½h | Polit. Econ'y. Jun. Math. |
Moral. Philosophy. |
Jun. Math. | Moral Philosophy. |
Polit. Econ'y. Jun. Math. |
Moral Philosophy. |
LICENTIATES.
The Faculty have authority to license persons, of suitable attainments,
character and habits, to give private instruction in aid of
the public teachings in any of the Schools of the University.
Licentiates are not at liberty, without special leave of the Faculty,
to receive pupils who are not members of the school or schools for
embraced in the plan of the same.
The employment of the Licentiate is at the option of the student,
and the compensation a matter of private arrangement.
EXAMINATIONS.
The examinations are of three kinds; 1, the Daily examinations;
2, the Intermediate and Final general examinations; and 3, the
examinations for Graduation.
1.—DAILY EXAMINATIONS.
Each Professor, before commencing the lecture of the day,
examines his class orally, on the subject of the preceding lecture
as developed in the text-book and expounded in the lecture.
2.—GENERAL EXAMINATIONS.
Two general examinations of each class are held during the session
in the presence of a committee of the Faculty, which every
student is required to stand. The first, called the Intermediate
examination, is held about the middle of the session, and embraces
in its scope the subjects of instruction in the first half of the
course. The second, called the Final examination, is held in the
closing week of the session, and embraces the subjects treated of in
the second half of the course. These examinations are conducted
in writing. The questions propounded have, each, numerical
values attached to them. If the answers of the student are valued,
in the aggregate, at not less than three-fourths of the aggregate
values assigned to the questions, he is ranked in the first division:
if less than three-fourths and more than one-half, in the second
division: if less than one-half and more than one-fourth, in the
third division: and if less than one-fourth, in the fourth division.
Certificates of distinction are awarded to those who attain the
first division at one or both of these examinations, and their names
are published or announced in the closing exercises of the session.
The general examinations are sufficiently comprehensive and difficult
to render it impossible for the student, without steady diligence,
may be, are communicated to parents and guardians respectively,
in the final circular of the session.
The standing of the student at the daily and general examinations
is taken into account, in ascertaining his qualifications for
graduation in any of the schools.
3.—EXAMINATIONS FOR GRADUATION.
The examinations for graduation are held in the last month of
the session. They are conducted, in each school, by the Professor
thereof, in presence of two other Professors, forming with him the
committee of examination for the school.
The candidates for graduation are subjected to searching interrogations
on the details and niceties, as well as the leading principles
of the subject, and they are expected to be accurately versed in all
the topics treated of in the lectures and correlative texts.
These examinations are carried on chiefly in writing; but in
some of the schools they are partly oral.
☞ As a due acquaintance with the English language is indispensable
to the attainment of even the inferior honors of the institution,
all candidates for graduation are subjected to a preliminary
examination, to test their qualifications in this respect.
DEGREES.
The degrees conferred by the University are academic and
professional.
The Academic Degrees are—
1. That of Proficient—conferred for satisfactory attainments in
certain subjects of study, to wit: in Anglo-Saxon; Mineralogy
and Geology; Physiology; Medical Jurisprudence; Human Anatomy;
Botany; Political Economy; History; Literature; and
International Law and Government.
2. That of Graduate in a School—conferred for satisfactory
attainments in the leading subjects of instruction in the same, to
wit: in the Latin Language and Literature; in the Greek Language
and Literature; in the French and German Languages; Pure
and History and Literature. The degree of graduate may also be
conferred in any one of the Modern Languages, except Anglo-Saxon,
and in Mixed Mathematics.
3. That of Bachelor of Arts—conferred on such students as
have graduated in any two of the Literary Schools, (Ancient Languages,
Modern Languages and Moral Philosophy,) and any two of
the Scientific Schools, (Mathematics, Natural Philosophy and
Chemistry,) and have attained distinctions, at an Intermediate and
Final Examination, in the Junior Classes of the two remaining
Schools.
4. That of Master of Arts of the University of Virginia—conferred
upon students who have graduated in the Latin, Greek, French and
German Languages, Pure Mathematics, Natural Philosophy, Chemistry,
Moral Philosophy, and History and Literature, and who have
passed satisfactory general examinations, in review, on all the subjects
embraced in the curriculum.
The candidate for the degree of Bachelor or Master of Arts is
also required to submit to the approval of the Faculty an Essay,
composed by himself, on some subject of literature or science—
which essay must be read by the author on the Public Day, if so
ordered.
The Professional Degrees are—
1. That of Bachelor of Law—conferred for satisfactory attainments
in all the subjects of instruction in the School of Law.
And,
2. That of Doctor of Medicine—conferred for satisfactory attainments
in all the subjects of instruction, except Botany, in the
several schools constituting the Medical Department.
Candidates for the degree of Doctor of Medicine, who have been
previously declared Graduates in Chemistry, or Proficients in
Anatomy, Physiology, or Medical Jurisprudence, are not required
to stand the examinations on these subjects anew—and the same
rule applies to candidates for the degree of Bachelor of Law, who
are Proficients in International Law and Government.
☞ Honorary degrees are forbidden by the laws of the University.
PUBLIC DAY.
On the closing day of the session, which occurs on the 29th of
June, unless that day be Sunday, and then on the 28th, the
Visitors, Faculty, Officers and Students of the University assemble
in the Public Hall—whither also, the friends of the students and
the public generally are invited. On this occasion the results of
the examinations are announced, certificates and diplomas awarded,
and addresses delivered by the Bachelors and Masters of Arts.
EXPENSES.
The following is an estimate of the expenses of an academic
student for the session of nine months, exclusive of the cost of
text-books:
| Matriculation and library fee, | $ 25 |
| Room-rent, if two occupy the same room, each | 15 |
| Contingent deposit, | 10 |
| Tuition fees in three schools, the usual number attended, | 75 |
| Board, including diet, furniture of room and attendance, | 180 |
| Deposit for fuel and lights, | 35 |
| Washing, $ 1.50 per mo.—per session, say | 15 |
| Infirmary fee, | 5 |
| $ 360 |
This estimate will be slightly modified if the student enter more
or fewer schools than indicated.
Law students pay $80 per session for tuition, and Medical students
$110: consequently the estimate for the former is $365, and for the
latter $395 per session.
All the foregoing items are payable in advance, except board and
washing. One-third ($60) of the board is required on admission,
and the balance in equal instalments, at three and six months
thereafter. Washing is paid for monthly, as the service is
rendered.
The Contingent deposit is designed to cover contingent charges
and assessments. These are generally small. The residue of this
at the close of the session.
The Infirmary fee secures, in case of sickness, prescriptions at
the University infirmary, and if needed, nursing by professional
nurses, lodging, board, and medical attendance by the physicians of
the institution, free of additional charge.
No abatement is made in the matriculation and tuition fees and
room-rent, on account of late entrance; and no portion of the
same is refunded, on account of withdrawal before the close of the
session—unless the withdrawal be rendered necessary by ill health,
and occur before the first of March. The charges for board, fuel
and lights and washing are estimated from the time of entrance.
Many disadvantages to the student result from late entrance.
Therefore, prompt attendance at the beginning of the session is
earnestly enjoined upon all who wish to derive the full benefits of
the courses of instruction.
PROHIBITION OF CREDIT.
An act of the Legislature prohibits merchants and others, under
severe penalties, from crediting students. The license to contract
debts, which the chairman is authorized to grant, is confined (except
where the parent or guardian otherwise, in writing, requests) to cases
of urgent necessity; and these, it is hoped, parents and guardians
will, as far as possible, prevent from arising, by the timely supply
of the requisite funds.
PRIVILEGED STUDENTS.
Ministers of the Gospel may attend any of the schools of the
University, without the payment of fees to the Professors. The
same privilege will be extended to any young man preparing for
the ministry, on the following conditions:
(1.) He shall submit for the consideration of the Faculty an
application, accompanied by testimonials, relating to the fact of his
being a bona fide candidate for the ministry, to his good standing in
the Church of which he is a member, to his intellectual capacity,
without aid.
(2.) No Professor shall be required to form a new class or
assume any other additional labor for the exclusive benefit of this
class of students.
(3.) In order to entitle such a student to the privilege of gratuitous
instruction in any school of the University during a second
session, he must prove his ability to profit by such continued
instruction, by exhibiting such evidence of proficiency during the
first session as shall be satisfactory to the Professor of the school.
The Faculty, at their discretion, may allow any man of undoubted
moral character, above the age of twenty-three years, to attend
lectures in any of the schools of the University, and to reside out
of the precincts, exempt from the rules and regulations prescribed
for the government of students, except only that he shall pay the
usual Professors' fees, and the usual compensation for the use of
the public rooms, and shall observe all those laws of the Institution
which enjoin respectful and orderly deportment. But the privilege
so allowed may be withdrawn by the Faculty at any time, when, in
their opinion, it has been used to the evil example of the students,
or otherwise to the injury of the Institution.
MONTHLY CIRCULAR.
At the end of every month, a circular letter is addressed by the
Chairman of the Faculty to the parent or guardian of each student,
in which are stated his absences from lectures and examinations, and
any other irregularity of which he may have been guilty, together
with such further information as to the student's progress and conduct
as it may be deemed proper to communicate.
The object of such report being, on the one hand, to incite the
student to steady diligence, by eliciting the commendation and encouragement
of his friends, and on the other, to restrain him from
idleness and disorder, or to urge him to amendment by their admonition
and advice, the usefulness of these circulars greatly depends
upon the prompt and judicious attention they receicve from those to
whom they are addressed. Parents and guardians, therefore, cannot
as the monthly report may suggest.
LIBRARY.
The library of the University, originally, selected and arranged by
Mr. Jefferson, and since enlarged by purchases and donations, now
contains about 35,000 volumes.
Students are allowed the use of the books, under the usual restrictions,
and the librarian is present in the library for four hours
daily, to attend to their wants.
SOCIETY OF ALUMNI.
This Association is composed of such former students of the
University as, having finally left the Institution, have been elected
members at the annual meetings. Its objects are the promotion of
letters and general education, as well as the renewal from year to
year of the pleasing associations of academic life.
The Society holds its meetings at the close of the session. An
orator or an essayist is annually appointed by the Society from
among its members, and the oration or essay is delivered in the
Public Hall on the day preceding the Public Day.
LITERARY SOCIETIES.
There are two Literary Societies, of long standing, connected with
the University. Most of the students become members of one or
the other. They meet weekly in their respective Halls, for the
purpose of cultivating debate and composition, and occasionally hold
public exhibitions.
MORALITY AND RELIGION.
These are recognized as the foundation and indispensable concomitants
of education. The discipline is sedulously administered
with a view to confirm integrity, and to maintain a sacred regard
for truth. Great efforts are made to surround the students with
religious influences; but experience has proved that the best way to
effect this result is, to forbear the employment of coercion to enforce
Prayers are held every morning in the Chapel, and divine service
is performed on Sunday by a Chaplain, selected, in turn, from the
principal religious denominations. By means of a Young Men's
Christian Association, new comers are shielded, as much as possible,
from vicious connections, and the energies of those willing to
engage in the Christian enterprises of the neighborhood are called
into active exercise.
STATE STUDENTS.
To render education at the University accessible to meritorious
young men of limited means, provision has been made by the Legislature
for the admission of one student from each Senatorial District
of the State, without payment of matriculation and tuition
fees and rents. This provision is meant to be restricted to those
who are not themselves, and whose parents are not, in a situation to
incur the expense of their education at this Institution, without
aid.
State students are appointed by the Faculty upon satisfactory
testimonials of fitness. The term of appointment is for two years,
but for extraordinary proficiency it may be prolonged. They stand
in all respects, except expense, on the same footing as other students,
enjoying the same privileges, and subject to the same laws.—
By way of remuneration to the State for the aid afforded them, they
are required, on admission, to sign an engagement to teach in some
public or private school in Virginia, for two years, after leaving the
University; the emoluments of such service enuring, of course, to
their own benefit.
The applicant for a State appointment should state his age (which
must be at least seventeen), and designate the schools of the University
he may wish to enter. He should submit satisfactory testimonials
of irreproachable moral character, and of capacity, as well
by partial cultivation as original vigor of mind, to profit by the
instruction given at the University. It should also appear that
neither he nor his parents are able to incur the expense of his education
without aid.
The Faculty will proceed on the 30th of June next to make appointments
of State students for vacant districts. The following are the
districts; of which the 2d, 3d, 4th, 6th, 8th, 9th, 12th, 15th, 20th, 22d,
24th, 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th, 32d and 33d will be vacant at the close of
the present session:
I. Accomac and Northampton.
II. City of Norfolk.
III. Norfolk Co. and Princess Anne.
IV. Isle of Wight, Nansemond, Surry and Southampton.
V. Sussex, Prince George and Dinwiddie.
VI. Louisa, Henrico and Hanover.
VII. Mathews, Gloucester, Middlesex, King & Queen, King
William and Essex.VIII. Lancaster, Northumberland, Richmond, Westmoreland,
Caroline and King George.IX. James City, Charles City, New Kent, York, Elizabeth
City, Warwick, and City of Williamsburg.X. City of Richmond.
XI. Chesterfield, Amelia, Prince Edward, Cumberland and
Powhatan.XII. Buckingham, Albemarle, Fluvanna and Goochland.
XIII. Spotsylvania, Stafford, Orange and Prince William.
XIV. Alexandria and Fairfax.
XV. Frederick, Clarke and Warren.
XVI. Loudoun.
XVII. Rappahannock, Fauquier, Madison and Culpeper.
XVIII. Shenandoah and Page.
XIX. Rockingham and Greene.
XX. Augusta.
XXI. Rockbridge and Nelson.
XXII. Alleghany, Bath, Highland and Botetourt.
XXIII. Appomattox, Campbell and Charlotte.
XXIV. Mecklenburg, Lunenburg, Brunswick, Greenesville and Nottoway.
XXV. Pittsylvania and Halifax.
XXVI. Amherst and Bedford.
XXVII. Henry and Franklin.
XXVIII. Giles, Montgomery, Roanoke and Craig.
XXIX. Carroll, Floyd and Patrick.
XXX. Wythe, Grayson, Pulaski and Bland.
XXXI. Washington and Smythe.
XXXII. Buchanan, Russell and Tazewell.
XXXIII. Scott, Lee and Wise.
Calendar.
October 1.—Commencement of the Session.
Feb'y 22.—Anniversary Celebration of the Washington Society.
April 13.—Anniversary Celebration of the Jefferson Society.
June 25.—Annual Meeting of the Board of Visitors.
June 28.—Annual Meeting of the Society of Alumni.
June 29.—Public Day, and Closing Exercises of the Session.
| Catalogue of the University of Virginia | |