Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1871 [PAGE 71]

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63 A steady advance has been seen in the qualifications of the larger number of candidates for admission, though some- have still applied and been admitted under an examination in the common branches. The increasing number of applicants for admission, and the large increase of work n o w required by the higher classes, create the neces^ sity for raising the standard of qualifications for admission. I t is recommended that candidates for admission tha next year be required to pass thorough examinations in English Grammar, Geography, Mathematical, Political and Physical, History of the United States, Arithmetic and Algebra, and that the following year there be added to the requirements the elements of Natural Philosophy and Physiology. The requirements of those who are candidates for advanced standing, or for classical studies, ought, of course, to remain as heretofore. I suggest, also, whether, after the next year* it may not be wise to add a year to the required age for admissionWhile the University owes no slavish submission to the customs of other institutions, in other and older States, it may wisely, when necessary, restrict its work to those who are best prepared to profit by its instruction, and to fulfill the work which will be required of its graduates. If any departure be allowed from, the required scholastic preparation, it should be in favor of students of advanced age, whose employments have given them a mental development and power which younger students could only gain from the study of books.

FINANCES.

The permanent funds have been increased during the past year by the sale of 50,000 acres of land scrip for $44,821.60, and by the sale of 160 acres of the Griggs farm for $9,600. The entire fund, including these additions, now amounts to $363,421.60, and the estimated income from the same to $27,002. The Treasurer's report will exhibit in detail the investments of this fund, as also the items of the annual income from all sources* The list of warrants, accompanying this report, will give you the several items of expenditures. The total income for the year, from all sources, not including le^is- ) lative appropriations, was $41,357.01. The total expenditures, except- ; ing those from appropriations aforesaid, was $38,654.69. The Bookkeeper's statement, which I transmit herewith, will give you the details of the expenditures of the legislative appropriations. I believe the expenditures have been made with strict economy and fidelity, and have given to the departments for which they were made large and useful developments.