Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1892 [PAGE 153]

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156

UNIVERSITY O F ILLINOIS.

The new flag-staff is in position, the series of flags ordered H on hand r and appropriate ceremonies connected with hoisting the flag have been arranged.

ATHLETICS.

The interest in athletics has been very manifest during the term, especially in outdoor games. I see no reason to suppose, however, t h a t any serious detriment to the students' more proper work has occurred; while distinct improvement has been gained in the general spirit of the body of students towards the University and in regard to its general standing with such institutions in the country. The fact t h a t our teams have been winners in the games played, has no doubt contributed to this end. The indoor gymnastics have been under the leadership of a student, Alfred Locke, with two other students as assistants, and the arrangement has proved fairly satisfactory. These men have been paid by the University. The committee of the Faculty upon this subject, Professor Crawford, chairman, has had in the main the general charge of this work, and to this committee belongs the credit of whatever desirable results have been attained.

UNIVERSITY EXTENSION.

The question of University Extension has been considerably discussed r and the committee upon this subject, Professor Forbes chairman, has undertaken to provide in a somewhat experimental way for a course of lectures for the citizens of our immediate vicinity. Members of the Board of Trustees have mostly replied to a letter of inquiry asking individual opinions from them as to what the University should undertake in this line. All agree t h a t the experimental course here is worth attempting, and in most cases the opinion is expressed t h a t more should be done if practicable. This has been sufficient to keep the subject fully alive, b u t not enough to warrant any further definite action. Last spring a meeting was held in Chicago of representatives of collegiate institutions in and near the latter city. A preliminary organization was formed then, and a second meeting was called for November 28th last. This was attended by Professors Forbes and Moss and myself, as representatives of this University. The following named institutions were somewhat similarly represented : Northwestern University, Lake Forest University, Chicago University, University of Wisconsin, Beloit College, Indiana State University and Wabash College. Much discussion was had as to the scope and province of the association, but it was fully agreed t h a t each separate institution should be left free to do what seemed best for itself, quite independent of any domination by the association. But, upon the other hand, the organization is to be regarded as a central bureau, through which any arrangements may be made for "Extension" work. The institutions represented were asked to submit names of possible lecturers and their subjects, with the idea of giving local centers a choice, not from one University merely, but from all those thus associated. Our committee presented names of certain members of our Faculty, subject, however, to the approval of the Trustees, and this question is now submitted for your consideration. This general subject is one of great importance, to which your earnest attention is invited. The problem presented is a difficult one, and possibly one not susceptible of satisfactory solution at present. But other State Universities are energetically pushing this modern method of education; what they do, we may. Without attempting to indicate any definite plan of procedure, I venture to recommend that $500 be assigned from the fund for instruction for t h e payment of the necessary expenses in preparing lectures (charts, lantern slides, etc.), for printing and incidentals, but not for travel or hotel expenditures; also t h a t authority be given to conduct lectures at any point in Illinois, provided t h a t arrangements can be made to do so without serious interference with the class work at the University. I t is presumed t h a t only a few courses can be given under the latter proviso.