 |
|
 | Board of Visitors minutes May 9, 1952 |  |
The regular monthly meeting of the Board of Visitors of The Rector and Visitors of the
University of Virginia was held on this date in the Office of the President of Mary Washington
College, Fredericksburg, Virginia, with the following present. The Rector, Barron F. Black, President
Colgate W. Darden, Jr., of the University of Virginia; Dr. M. L. Combs, President of Mary
Washington College, Visitors Carrington, Emmett, Gay, Howard, Mears, Mrs. Smith, Mr. Smith, Wailes
and Wheeler. Absent: Visitors Barksdale, Coxe, Gravatt and Talbott.
The minutes of the meeting of April 11, 1952, which had been copied and mailed to the
members, were approved
The following resignations, leave of absence, elections and appointment were approved
by the Board.
RESIGNATIONS
RESOLVED by the Board of Visitors of The Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia
that the resignation of Dr. Gardner L. Carter, Professor of Chemistry, be and it is hereby
accepted as of the end of the session of 1951-52. The Board appreciates his long service to the
University, and wishes to express its hope that his health may be restored.
RESOLVED by the Board of Visitors of The Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia
that the resignation of Miss Lois Marintha Austin, Assistant Professor of Nursing Education,
be and it is hereby accepted as of the end of the session of 1951-52. We wish for her the highest
success in her new undertaking.
RESOLVED by the Board of Visitors of The Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia
that the resignation of Miss Louise Oates, Professor of Nursing Education, be and it is
hereby accepted as of the end of the session of 1951-52. The Board appreciates her long service
to the University, and expresses the hope that her health may be restored.
RESOLVED by the Board of Visitors of The Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia
that the resignation of Mr. William R. Winsbro, Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering,
be and it is hereby accepted as of the end of the session of 1951-52. We wish for him the highest
success in his new undertaking
RESOLVED by the Board of Visitors of The Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia
that the resignation of Mr. Fred Blanton, Assistant Professor of Law, be and it is hereby
accepted as of the end of the session of 1951-52. We wish for him the highest success in his
new undertaking
LEAVE OF ABSENCE
RESOLVED by the Board of Visitors of The Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia
that Mr. Henry Hardy Perritt, Assistant Professor of Speech, be and he is hereby granted
leave of absence without pay for the session of 1952-53 to complete work for the Ph.D. degree at
the University of Florida.
ELECTIONS
Dr. John Jeffery Auer elected Professor of Speech at a session salary of $7,000, effective
at the beginning of the session of 1952-53
Dr. Arthur Ebbert, Jr., elected Instructor in Internal Medicine, effective July 1, 1952,
at an annual salary of $5,000, to be paid from departmental earnings
APPOINTMENT
Lieutenant Walter R. Luoma appointed Associate Professor of Naval Science, effective
in August, 1952, at no salary from the University. This is a replacement for Lt. Comdr. J. B.
Burnett, who is being transferred.
FEE FOR "THE CAVALIER DAILY"
The Board approved an increase in the charge for "The Cavalier Daily" from $4 per session
to $5 per session, effective in September, 1952.
ENDOWMENT FUNDS
Mr. Gay, Chairman of the Finance Committee, presented a letter which he had addressed
to the Bursar, proposing a procedure for handling endowment funds under the act of the Legislature
of 1952 freeing from the State's budgetary control the principal and income of all donations to
State educational institutions received after January 1, 1952. The text of the letter is as follows
University of Virginia
I have delayed answering your letter of the 5th the contents of which I discussed with
you and Messrs. Mears and Talbott after the last meeting of the Board, until I could obtain copies
of Regulation F promulgated by the Federal Reserve System for the guidance of national banks administering
"common trust" funds. I have now obtained a copy of the pamphlet containing this regulation
and enclose it herewith.
You will find this subject treated as Section 17 page 12 et seq. and I believe you will
find the pertinent provisions embodied in subparagraph (c)(4) at page 15, dealing with the periodic
determination of the value of assets in such a fund.
I have also discussed this matter at some length with Mr. Burrell Gunn, Vice President
and Trust Officer of the State-Planters Bank and Trust Company, who is conversant with the provisions
of Regulation F and the method of its application and operation. He gives me the following
very simple illustration
Assume there are two original participants who put in $10,000 each
| A | $10,000 | or | 10 units | of $1,000 each | |
| B | $10,000 | or | 10 units | of $1,000 each | |
| Total | $20,000 | or | 20 units |
So long as the common fund continues in this status the income is divided by 20 units to
determine the amount to be distributed to the owner of each unit. But assume that a year later,
or on some quarterly period when a valuation is had, the investments in the common trust fund are
at market worth $25,000. Each unit is therefore then worth $1,250, but there are still only 20
units.
At this point C contributes $10,000 to the common fund. If he were issued 10 units the
interest of A and B, the original participants, would be diluted as follows:
| Then market value | $ 25,000 |
| C's contribution | 10,000 |
| Divide by | 30) 35,000 |
| Unit | $ 1,166.66 |
To state it a little differently, C will immediately realize a profit of $166.66 upon
each $1,000 contribution made by him and A and B, the old members, will suffer a proportionate reduction
in their unit values.
To correct such an inequity, the provisions of Section (c)(4) of the Regulation contemplate
quarterly valuations, or, more specifically, at the time any new funds are admitted, by dividing
the number of units then outstanding into the then established market value, and in this
manner determine the then value of each unit.
Using the above illustration, we had a $1,250 valuation for each of the original 20
units contributed by A and B - reflecting their value of the total fund value of $25,000 on the
date of the valuation. When C contributes his $10,000 as of the valuation date, we have a fund
of $35,000, and as a simple matter of arithmetic the $10,000 which he contributes would represent
8 units of valuation of $1,250 each. So that thereafter the respective contributors would own
units and receive proportionate distributions of income as follows.
| A | 10 | units | ||
| B | 10 | units | ||
| C | 8 | units | ||
| Total | 28 | units | - market value $35,000. |
I take it from your letter that you can and will set up such a system of accounting,
and it might be well to determine in advance that all new funds received after January 1, 1952,
would be held and turned over quarterly to the Bank for investment in the common fund - you making,
with the Bank's assistance, a valuation of the fund as of each quarterly date, and thereby
determining the periodic value of each unit and the participating value on a unit basis of the
new funds currently contributed.
From the December 25, 1951 statement of the Bank the aggregate market value of the Consolidated
Fund was $6,444,134.27. If we employ $10,000 as a suitable unit value, there existed in
the Fund at that time approximately 645 units of the value of $10,000 each, and all future contributions
of funds in units of, say $10,000 each, would acquire a participating unit value on
the basis of the aggregate market value of the fund at the time of their contribution in the
manner heretofore outlined.
Our Committee has no doubt of the authority of the Board to merge all funds and treat
them as a common trust fund, and to segregate income between (1) units represented in the value of
the fund as of December 25, 1951, and (2) the units contributed to the common fund subsequent to
that date, on a unit basis.
Enclosure cc- Mr. Mears
Mr. Talbott
After discussion of the matter a resolution was adopted approving the plan set forth in
the letter above.
ART SCHOOL
President Darden stated that a controversy had arisen over the failure of the University
to renew the contracts of two members of the art faculty. This action had been taken upon the
recommendation of the chairman of the school and the Dean of the College.
One of the members of the art faculty had prepared a memorandum concerning the school
which he had sent to Mr. Gay, which memorandum was distributed to the members of the Board.
President Darden stated that he had asked Dean Lewis to prepare a report for submission
to the Board and had also asked Dean Lewis to appear in person and present his report. The President
said he thought it was important for the Board to determine as a policy matter whether or
not it was to pass upon the fitness of the chairman of each school. In the past this had been
purely an administrative matter. He personally believed Mr. Smith, the chairman of the art school,
to be a competent artist and a satisfactory chairman.
Mr. Gay stated that the question before the Board is whether or not Mr. Smith is a
capable administrator. He said that artists tend to be temperamental and this factor certainly
should be considered in evaluating the administrative work of the chairman.
President Darden inquired if the Board wished to select the chairman of each school.
Mr. Howard stated that he does not believe the selection of the chairman is a function of the
Board, that this is a responsibility of the President.
Mr. Gay stated that there is a sharp divergence of views as to the type of art training
which should be given at the University: (1) the University may develop a professional art school
as advocated by Messrs. Carter and Johnson, or (2) the University may develop art as a part of a
liberal arts education
The Rector stated that he thought the Board was getting on dangerous ground - he questioned
very seriously whether this matter should be considered by the Board. Mr. Howard stated,
"I disqualify myself to pass on this matter."
Mr. Gay then read a resolution of the Board passed November 14, 1947, on the report of
the special Committee of the faculty in respect to the School of Fine Arts, as follows.
"The following report was submitted by a special committee to study the
advisability of establishing a School of Fine Arts, in accordance with a resolution
adopted at a meeting of the Board on September 12, 1947, and was approved
as submitted."
He then read from the report the recommendations.
Dean Lewis then joined the meeting. Mr. Gay read the Campbell report dated November
8, 1947, to Dean Lewis and asked that he comment on whether or not the recommendations were being
carried out. Dean Lewis stated that the University was offering general courses in art open to
students in the College and in the Department of Education, as well as a major in art for those
students particularly interested in such a program. However, the enrollment in these courses
had been disappointing. Mr. Carter had joined the staff in 1948 and for the session 1951-52 he
had only one student in one class and two in another. Mr. Johnson for the first semester of the
current session had two students enrolled in his class, and only one the second semester. In
1949-50 Mr. Johnson started the school year with seven students, but only two continued in the
spring semester
Dean Lewis stated that he had discussed the matter with the chairman of the art school
and with other members of the faculty and had come to the conclusion that both Mr. Johnson and
Mr. Carter were good artists but were not good teachers. Dr. Lewis stated that it was his understanding
that art at the University was to be part of a liberal arts education and not training for
professional painters and sculptors. The University gives studio courses in drawing, painting,
sculpture and graphic arts. All of these courses are open as electives in the College. In his
general art class Mr. Smith has 33 students enrolled, and 8 in graphic arts
Mr. Gay asked Dean Lewis why the art school did not employ models. Dr. Lewis stated
that Mr. Carter and Mr. Johnson had requested a female model and that Mr. Smith had discussed
the matter with him and the President and they felt it would be inadvisable at this stage to employ
such models
Dr. Lewis then read a statement he had prepared, part of which reads as follows:
"The formal courses now offered carry out the intent of the Board. More, however, needs
to be done to attain the end of giving general enrichment to the cultural life of the University
community. In order to do this two things are necessary.
First, there are needed as professors artists who not only know the techniques of their
profession but who also have a sound academic background and a wide knowledge and critical appreciation
of the place of art in western civilization. It is not enough to be merely a professional
painter or sculptor
The teaching of the various courses can and should be improved. The opportunity to
achieve this end is at hand by the selection of men to replace Messrs. Carter and Johnson.
Second, opportunity must be given the Division of Art to extend its influence to the
student body. This can be done by seminars and discussions open to the public, by exhibitions
and demonstrations by members of the staff, by exhibitions of student work, by talks by visiting
artists, and by movies illustrating working methods employed by well-known artists. Such materials
are all available either free or at a moderate rental
This program is not possible under present lack of suitable space and equipment. With
the completion of the new Academic Building, space should be provided in Cocke Hall or elsewhere
to furnish the adequate quarters without which a good program cannot succeed
The committees which have been studying the whole matter have aimed at carrying out the
wishes of the Board to provide (a) elementary art courses to undergraduate students in the College
for elective credit, and (b) advanced courses in art to art majors. Both objectives have been
attained
In order to set up conditions under which work on art would develop, the committee recommended
to the Faculty and the Faculty accepted the division of the McIntire School of Fine
Arts (excluding Music, which has an independent status) into two divisions, each with its own
chairman and its own program of studies. The Division of Architecture is currently under the
chairmanship of Mr. Disque, and the Division of Art under Mr. Smith
The courses in Art are given as listed in the Catalogue with two modifications. Art
1-2. General Art, has been reorganized in such a way that the course is given not by Mr. Smith
alone but by members of the staff. It is divided into three studio groups, one of painting, one
of sculpture, and one of graphic arts including drawing. This course is intended for students
without previous training and serves in addition as instruction to help the student select the
field in which he wishes to concentrate. The other change is merely introductory to a new course
on Architecture and Arts in the Far East for which there has been considerable demand.
The slowness of Art to develop a program more widely selected by students is due to two
factors, first, the reorganization carrying out the wishes of the Board has been so recent that
there has been not yet time to build up a good body of students taking these courses. The second
handicap has been inadequate quarters, aggravated by the fact, as pointed out by Mr. Johnson, that
at least one of the studios was so cold that classes frequently could not be held there at all.
The chief trouble came with the studio of sculpture
It is my opinion that Mr. Smith should be continued in the chairmanship until he has a
better opportunity to prove himself. It was remarked to him by a former member of the staff that
he was beginning with two strikes against him, the strikes being Messrs. Carter and Johnson, both
capable artists but lacking in the background which is absolutely necessary for good work at the
college level. Mr. Smith realizes what fine possibilities there are and I believe that he is the
man to get ahead with the program
Mr. Smith is a well-known artist in his own right in more than one field, he has had
successful teaching experience elsewhere and knows thoroughly what can be done with art as a cultural
college subject
The criticism raised by Mr. Johnson is, in my opinion, absolutely unwarranted. It is
true that Mr. Smith, although he has worked in the modern fields, has a deep appreciation and a
good knowledge of classic art. In my opinion, it would be a primary error to have anyone head
the Division of Art who knows and values only the modern techniques and the modern approach. The
students certainly should know the different brands of blzarre and tortured art about which there
is so much stir in the Richmond papers. If the chairman of the department, however, should confine
himself to the modern movements such as cubism, surrealism, abstractionism and all the rest
and to regard as outdated and of no consequence the work of Michelangelo, Rembrandt, Raphael, Da
Vincl and the great masters of the past, it would be simply silly. It would be like having the
School of Music devoted to jungle music and the blues, ignoring Bach, Beethoven, Mozart and the
great masters of music. Mr. Smith, while a modernist himself, has a deep appreciation of the
classical tradition. This is as it should be
I have been very much pleased with the way Mr. Smith has taken hold. I have already
mentioned some handicaps and would add to this the fact that he has taken over the directorship
of the Press to the detriment of his major function. I think we ought to give him the opportunity
to develop Art as a college subject with such space and facilities as the University can afford.
I feel that he has already proved himself and I respect his judgment in moving to replace the
gentlemen whose training he considers to be inadequate while admitting their technical skill.
I recommend that Mr. Smith be continued at least for the present in the chairmanship
The Board thanked Dr. Lewis for coming to Fredericksburg to appear before it. Dr. Lewis
then left the meeting
Mr. Gay stated that he would prefer seeing the art school abolished rather than continued
in its present state. President Darden stated that an excellent replacement had been found
for Mr. Johnson, and unless there was objection, he would present this young man's name for election
at the next meeting
STRINGFELLOW BARR
Mr. Gay asked the President how Mr. Barr's work was progressing at the University. Mr.
Darden stated that so far as he had been able to determine, his courses were excellent and that a
number of students had commented facorably upon them. Mr. Gay stated that Mr. Barr's appointment
had one more year to run and before considering a permanent appointment the matter should be reviewed
by the Board.
HEARINGS ON RICHEY PETITION
The following resolution was adopted
BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Visitors of The Rector and Visitors of the University of
Virginia that the record of the hearings on the petition of Homer Richey which hearings took
place on May 11, June 7, July 12 and September 13, 1951, not be spread in full on the permanent
Minute Book, but that the record of these hearings be made a part of the minutes by reference.
GARDEN CLUB OF VIRGINIA
A resolution was adopted requesting the Rector to write the Garden Club of Virginia expressing
the appreciation of the Board for the restoration of the West Lawn gardens. Another resolution
was adopted requesting the President to write the chairman of the restoration committee
expressing the hope that the Garden Club of Virginia would restore the East Lawn gardens
NATURAL RESOURCES BUILDING
President Darden stated that the State Conservation Commission had a $300,000 appropriation
to provide a building for several of its agencies located at Charlottesville, which building it was
planned to construct adjacent to and connected with the State Geological Survey Building. The President
presented a plan showing the area requested by the Conservation Commission for the location of
this building, together with space for garages and an area for future expansion.
The President recommended that the area for the addition for which funds were now available
be granted, and that he be given authority to work out plans for a substitute area for location of
garages, but that the area requested for future expansion and for garages not be granted at this time
Whereupon a resolution was adopted approving the President's recommendations.
MARY WASHINGTON COLLEGE MATTERS
RESIGNATIONS
Mrs. Mildred B. Sollenberger, instructor in speech and radio, resigned on account of poor
health
Miss Jean Reid, instructor in home economics, resigned to be married
RETIREMENT
Dr. Hugo Iltis, professor of biology, is retiring at the age of seventy.
LEAVE OF ABSENCE
The following resolution was adopted
RESOLVED by the Board of Visitors of The Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia
that the request of Miss Josephine Hubbell, instructor in health and physical education, for
a leave of absence for the session 1952-53 be and the same is hereby granted
ENROLLMENT
President Combs reported that the total enrollment for the current session of full-time
students is approximately 1,200. The enrollment for next session is quite encouraging. For in
stance, at this time last year there was a total of 277 new students enrolled. For session 1952-53
the enrollment of new students to date is 546 - an increase of 269 or approximately one hundred per
cent over the enrollment of new students at this time last year.
REPORT ON DISTRIBUTION OF ACADEMIC GRADES
A mimeographed report on the distribution of academic grades for the first semester of
1951-52 was distributed to members of the Board
REPORT ON CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDINGS
President Combs reported that the work on the Fine Arts Center and the Student Activities
Building is progressing according to plan. The Fine Arts Center is expected to be completed during
the summer and the Student Activities Building will be completed some time in December
NEW DORMITORIES
President Combs stated that Governor Battle had authorized a $20,000 appropriation for
preparation of preliminary drawings for a new women's dormitory, so that if the 1952 Legislature
approved a request for funds for this building, construction could get under way without too great
delay. These preliminary drawings had been submitted to the Art Commission, the members of which
came to Mary Washington and reviewed the plans and the location of the building. At an earlier date
the Art Commission had approved a master plan for Mary Washington with a dormitory located at this
particular site. The Art Commission disapproved of: (1) the proposed location of this building,
(2) the size of the building, both the fact that it was a four-story building and that too many
girls would occupy it, and (3) the design and structure of the building.
President Combs pointed out that the architects had planned a four-story structure because
the fourth story could be added at a cost for each girl housed of $2,200, whereas the cost for a
three-story structure would amount to $3,000 per student
President Combs stated that the architects were working on a substitute design which would
provide two buildings in place of the one which had originally been designed, but that it would cost
an additional $125,000 to house the same number of girls.
The Board referred this matter to the Mary Washington Committee with the request that the
Committee meet as soon as possible and prepare a written report setting forth both viewpoints concerning
this matter.
ADMISSIONS POLICY
President Combs stated that admission to the summer session had been denied two Negro
teachers from Bowling Green, Virginia, on the grounds that comparable offerings were available at
Virginia State College.
On motion the meeting was then adjourned
Rector
Secretary
| Board of Visitors minutes May 9, 1952 | |