Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1878 [PAGE 22]

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EXAMINATIONS FOR

ADMISSION.

W e have heretofore accepted students on the examinations of county superintendents, in the common branches. In Michigan and Wisconsin, the plan has been adopted of accepting the examinations of principals of the public high schools. This plan has thus far worked well. It has the advantage of saving candidates the expense of a long journey, and also brings the University into notice among the schools thus permitted to conduct examinations. After inquiring, I feel prepared to advise that the faculty be allowed to designate one or more high schools in each county, of sufficiently high grade, and good reputation, whose certificates of examination shall be received foist udents taught in such schools. I would also recommend that the faculty make arrangements for examinations to be conducted by themselves, or some of their members, during the summer months, at several prominent places in the state, such as Chicago, Rockford, Galena, Peoria, Springfield, and perhaps other points.

RE D U OT ION O F SAL A1! IES.

Tlie action of the trustees, at the close of the meeting held last June, in giving notice to the faculty of an intention to reduce the salary ten per cent, from, and after next September, has naturally awakened some apprehension as to the effect of such a reduction on the character and prospects of the University. I appreciate fully the embarrassment occasioned by the shrinking of income from vested endowments, and the consequent difficulty, if not impossibility, of maintaining the teaching force of the University, at its present number, without some reduction of salaries, unless aid can be had from some new source. I am also aware that the general lowering of prices throughout the currency, or the appreciation of our country, will leave the new salaries proposed worth more than the present salaries were at the time of their establishment. But the question is sufficiently serious to demand a more protracted consideration, and a more careful inquiry into all the facts in the case. It is not the will of the employees alone, which can determine the rate of wages in any branch of labor, physical or intellectual. The market law of supply and demand controls the prices of efforts as well as of commodities. Nor will it be sufficient to inquire into the salaries paid in other classes of schools, such as high schools, normal schools, or even in the private or sectarian colleges. The wages paid watchmakers cannot be kept on a level with those of carpenters. Engineers, accountants, lawyers, and preachers, cannot be required or persuaded to work for the same compensation. Schools of the same kind must be compared with each other, high schools with high schools, normal schools with normal schools, and state universities with state universities. I have deemed it wise to write and obtain, for your inspection, the rates of salaries paid by kindred institutions, and would respectfully suggest the propriety of further inquiry before the final action is taken. I submit the replies I have already received. It is possible that some of your present faculty will prefer to remain at a reduced salary, rather than to incur the trouble and expense of a