Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1890 [PAGE 146]

EXTRACTED TEXT FROM PAGE:

PROCEEDINGS OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES.

149

1. Mr. J. Y. E. Schaefer declines reappointment as instructor in the machine shop. He has done good work and we should be glad to retain him. I recommend for this place Mr. Edward S. Keene, a graduate from the same department. 8. Mr. C. Eugene Bogardus declines reappointment as first assistant in chemistry, and I recommend t h a t Mr. H. S. Grindley be promoted to this, place. Also t h a t Mr. Robert W. Cornelison be appointed second assistant in chemistry. I have to remind you t h a t the chair of mining engineering was made vacant last year, and t h a t it has not yet been filled. Before naming any person for this place I have desired to know your wishes as to continuing this department of instruction. I think t h a t the University should maintain a department of mining engineering, but I think also that, so long as there is any question of funds, the matters already laid before you should take precedence, because they are responsive to the needs of students already here. First Lieutenant Curtis B. Hoppin, 2d Cavalry, U. S. A., has completed the term of three years allowed by detail from the War Department. His administration of this important and difficult department has been in the most eminent degree satisfactory. He has secured the confidence of students, the support of the Faculty, and universal good will. We have sought to obtain an extension of his term of service, but without avail. He has been ordered to return presently to frontier duty. The correspondence concerning a successor will be laid before you.

T H E COURSES OF STUDY.

Some modifications of the courses in the College of Engineering are advised as per schedule herewith [seepage 150]. The important changes are as follows: 1. To give the subject of physics three terms instead of two, and to put it in the sophomore year instead of the junior, where it now stands* This change has long been desired. I t will be possible if you shall appoint a professor of physics as has been recommended. 2. To place advanced descriptive geometry in the spring term of the freshman year, thus unifying the drawing of this department. The unlooked for complication of last year required the employment of a special teacher in the winter term. Fortunately, Mr. Lincoln Bush could be had when wanted, and his work was excellent. But we cannot rely upon such resources, and should so arrange our work t h a t it may be provided for in more definite ways. 3. These changes will open the way for more professional work in the last two years of these several schools, t h u s : I n the school of mechanical engineering, for more shop construction, more drawing, and the study of estimates, etc. In the school of civil engineering, for the study of the construction of roads and streets, masonry and sewerage, etc. I t does not seem advisable to disturb the courses in the other colleges now, but an opportunity will be sought in the coming year to give the subject the fullest consideration; These changes have been approved by both the special faculty of the college and by the general faculty.