Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1900 [PAGE 40]

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20 FUNCTIONS OF THE

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS.

[ S e p t . B0 y

BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNIVERSITY DEFINED.

Mr. M c L e a n offered t h e following resolution a n d moved its a d o p tion: WHEREAS, Circumstances have arisen which make it desirable that the official relations between the Trustees and the President of the University should be plainly understood, and the functions of each clearly definedy therefore Resolved, That the functions of the Trustees are legislative and not executive. The Board is to secure, as far as possible, the needed revenues for the University and is to determine the ways in which University funds shall be applied. It is to map out University policy, but it must, of necessity, leave the execution of that policy to its executive agents. Such agents must be capable and, within the general line of policy laid down by the Board, they should not be interferred with. It is no functions of a trustee to act as superintendent of the University business, and it would be most reprehensible in a trustee to have secret meetings or understandings with members of the faculty, other employes or students; or to act in any way claculated to undermine or weaken the authority of its authorized agents. Such conduct would be subversive of all discipline and destroy the efficiency of the University organization. If the University does not prosper under the agents employed, there should be a change of agents, but while in office the fullest confidence and support must be given them by the Board to enable them to obtain the best results. Any other course would not only be detrimental to the University, but a gross injustice to those employed. Second. The President of the University is the chief executive and responsible agent of the Trustees. He is to have constant watch and care over every University interest, and particularly the fullest responsibility in the instructional work. He is to be ready to recommend suitable persons for vacancies in the Faculty, and, in case of an exigency, he is to fill a place so* that the work of the University shall not be interrupted. He is to see that instructors are competent and right spirited, and is to hold all members to the exact and full discharge of their duties; and if, in his judgment, the necessity arises, he is to initiate steps for a change in the instructors. He is to attend the meetings of the Trustees and take part in the discussion of matters under consideration. He is, of course, to follow the directions of the Board given in any particular matter; but it is neither possible nor desirable for the Trustees to direct most of the details of executive action; and so, in all matters, the President is expected to act with perfect freedom within the lines of general policy laid down by the Board, following a custom which has been well commenced here, is usual in all large universities, and is imperative to secure their strong and healthy development. Third. The Board stamps with its strongest disapproval any disposition ta make patronage out of University appointments. The appointment of a relative of a member of the Board, or of any other person occupying an influential position in the University is wholly disapproved. Political, social,, fraternal, or church influences are to be altogether ignored, and every appointment must be made upon the merit basis. The President and other officers of the University are to feel fully assured that the Trustees will heartily support them in acting on this principle. I t was ordered t h a t t h e roll b e called a n d t h e vote w a s : Y e a s , Messrs. A r m s t r o n g , B u l l a r d , F r e e m a n , M c L e a n , Morrison, P e a r c e , a n d R a y m o n d , and M r s . Flower and M r s . C a r r i e l ; n a y s , n o n e ; absent* G o v e r n o r T a n n e r and Messrs. M c K a y a n d S m i t h .