Caption: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1892
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PROCEEDINGS OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES. 199 may enter our freshman class without examination. Correspondence is also in progress with others, some of which no doubt may be accredited. A F F I L I A T I O N W I T H T H E NORMAL SCHOOLS. A matter of different kind, but falling properly in this connection, is the possible establishment of some recognized connection between the state normal institutions and the University. At least some system of scholarship credits between these state educational institutions might properly exist, and probably some correspondence in courses could be adjusted by which students in one might profit by certain work in the other. Authorized inquiry is all t h a t can be asked for now, if this seems wise to you. P R E P A R A T O R Y SCHOOL. The question of a proper preparatory school here in this locality is worthy of earnest attention. There has been much rather desultory talk about a union high school for the towns of Champaign and Urbana, but the time appears to be now at hand when definite action could be wisely taken. The University would be altogether better off without its preparatory department, provided suitable and apparently feasible provision should be made for preparatory work in the vicinity. An excellent high school with special courses for prospective University students could easily be maintained here; and, if properly organized and equipped and then sufficiently advertised, would presumably contribute much to the University attendance. I believe there is really great need for such a preparatory school and that efforts ought now to be made to secure it. I t is true, the townships mentioned must found and maintain the school contemplated, but the University may at least give advice and consent in a matter so intimately touching its own interests. Authority to say t h a t our preparatory department will be abandoned whenever acceptable provision for such instruction is made by the township authorities may be enough to secure this desired result. Your expression of interest will certainly be respected, and may lead to the fulfillment of your wishes. SUMMER SCHOOLS. An inquiry from one of your number raised the question of holding at the University summer schools for teachers. This was carefully considered by the Faculty, and as a general proposition was deemed advisable, because it is evident t h a t there is a demand for such instruction. But inasmuch as the members of our corps of instruction will be busy next summer vacation preparing exhibits for the Columbian Exposition, and as it will be manifestly impossible to conduct successfully such a school in Illinois during the summer of 1893, it was recommended t h a t the experiment be postponed until 1894. The proposed lectures in county institutes may be considered a sufficient undertaking for this year. Such summer schools are rarely self-supporting. Some universities have a special fund to meet the deficit. This too should be considered before advertising a school. MILITARY D E P A R T M E N T . The flag which first floated from the top of its staff during your last meeting has been raised every academic day since t h a t time. Yonder it now is, a beautiful emblem in itself and a significant indication of the work in, and spirit of, the institution under your management and control. The flag was presented to the cadet battalion, and I am sure no one takes more pride in it than the present members of this organization. The heating apparatus has been put into Military Hall. Of it, however, you will learn from the committee having the matter in charge. One further improvement would be appreciated by Lieutenant Hills and the
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