Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1868 [PAGE 59]

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REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON COURSES OF STUDY AND FACULTY FOR THE ILLINOIS INDUSTRIAL UNIVERSITY.

Inasmuch as some time must necessarily elapse before the University can be properly equipped and prepared for opening, the Committee present, now, only the outlines and some of the general features of a plan of organization, hoping to be permitted, by fuller consultation with each other, and with eminent educators in other States, who are engaged in organizing similar institutions, to ripen their plans more fully before presenting them in detail. In laying the foundations of an institution which is to last through coming ages, and to affect all future generations, we have need to plan wisely. We must not expose ourselves, needlessly, to the inconveniences of changes, nor to suspicions of caprice.

THE GENERAL AIMS OF THE UNlTERSlTVs

The aims of any institution necessarily control its organization. It should be fitted to its uses. Tlie- great general aims of the University are defined by the statutes under which it is established. Though not strictly confined by law to the objects proposed in the Congressional grant, we are yet bound to meet those objects fully and fairly. According to the language of the grant, " the leading object shall be, without excluding other scientific and classical studies, and including military tactics, to teach such branches of learning as are related to agriculture and the mechanic arts, in order to promote the liberal and practical education of the industrial classes, in the several pursuits and professions in life." Or, changing the order of statement, the chief aim of the University is, " the liberal and practical education of the industrial classes, in the several pursuits and professions in life;" and in order to this end, the University is " t o teach such branches of learning as are related to agricultural and the mechanic arts, without excluding other scientific and classical studies, and including military tactics." The military tactics are required, and the scientific and classical studies are permitted. Such at least is the common construction of these clauses, though the language may not unreasonably be understood to imply that the latter studies shall not be excluded from the course. The State law evidently aims to carry'out the intention of the Congressional grant, and gives the trustees power " t o appoint such professors and instructors, and establish and provide for the management of such model farms, model art and other