Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1870 [PAGE 39]

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ing the most important and celebrated scientific and art publications, monthlies, quarterlies, etc. The reading room, well warmed and lighted, is open every day and evening, and is constantly resorted to by the Faculty and students. Besides the University library, there are also libraries belonging to the literary societies. REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION. 1. Each student is required by law to be at least fifteen years of age; but it is believed that few will be found mature enough at this age to enter with the highest profit upon the studies of the University, and it is recommended, as a general rule, that students be at least eighteen years old before entering. 2. The law also prescribes that " no student shall be admitted to instruction in any of the departments of the University, who shall not previously undergo a satisfactory examination in each of the branches ordinarily taught in the common schools of the State." In addition to these, candidates for advanced standing must pass an examination in each of the branches already pursued by the class, or an equivalent therefor. Those desiring ancient languages must pass in the ordinary preparatory studies in such languages. 3. There are certain elementary studies not yet reckoned among the 11 branches ordinarily taught in common schools," such as Elementary Algebra, Natural Philosophy and English Composition, which it is strongly recommended that students shall pursue before coming to the University. They necessarily precede the University courses. The advance of the classes compels the discontinuance of instruction in these studies, and students should, if practicable, come prepared to pass examination in them. 4. In order to indicate the extent and character of the examinations required, a set of the questions formerly used is appended at the close! The questions are varied, of course, each year. CHOICE OF STUDIES. The University is wholly elective in its courses. Entire liberty of choice is allowed each student in selecting the studies he will pursue. Each student is required to have fifteen lessons a week, unless specially excused for cause. Changes from one department to another can only be made at the opening of a term. Students should carefully seek the advice of the Faculty in the choice of a course of studies, or they will be liable to lose much time in attractive but irrelevant branches; and when a course has been determined on, it should be followed with steadiness and perseverance. TERM EXAMINATIONS. Frequent and searching examinations will be held, to test the progress in study, and to determine each student's fitness to remain in the classes. The University cannot be held responsible for the lack of thoroughness in the common school studies of its students; but it will insist upon thoroughness in its own proper studies.