Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1910 [PAGE 96]

EXTRACTED TEXT FROM PAGE:

58

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS.

[Dec.

28

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 interfered with. (b) 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 members of the faculty are competent and right spirited, and he is to hold all 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 of instructors. He is to attend the meetings of the trustees and take part in sthe 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.

CARE OF T H E BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS.*

28. (a) The buildings and grounds of the University shall be in the immediate charge of two superintendents, viz.: (a) a superintendent of buildings; (b) a superintendent of grounds. These officers shall be appointed by the Board of Trustees, upon the recommendation of the president of the University, shall observe the general requirements of the Committee on Buildings and Grounds, and in the absence of such committee shall be under the direction of the president of the University. They shall appoint such assistants, janitors, watchmen, and other employes in their respective departments as are authorized by the trustees, and may also employ temporary workmen as may be needed, with the approval of the president and business manager of the University. They are enjoined to disregard all influences exerted in behalf of individuals and to make appointments solely upon the basis of merit and fitness. They will endeavor to retain competent and loyal employes indefinitely by assuring them permanency of position and giving them such confidence and recommending such rewards for them as may seem practicable. They shall suspend employes in their respective departments from employment when no longer needed, or at any time lor cause. They shall be severally responsible for the physical condition and the efficiency of such parts of the University plant as are under their charge. (b) The professors of architecture, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, sanitary engineering, horticulture, etc., shall, as a part of their regular employment, stand in an advisory relation to the superintendents aforesaid touching such parts of the plant as are in character related to the work of their departments; they shall possess themselves of full information touching the details of such parts, shall at all times be free to recommend changes and improvements therein, and any unusual changes therein shall be made with their approval or they shall forthwith report the fact to the president in writing. (c) The supervising architect shall be custodian in general of all the University buildings and other structures above and under ground, including fire alarm and fire protection apparatus, subways, tunnels, electric wiring, conduit, all steam, water, gas, and compressed air pipes, all light posts, etc. He shall make* regular inspections and report to the president of the University at least once every quarter upon the structural and sanitary conditions of the buildings and other structures belonging to the University; and shall make recommendations from time to time

* For modification of (a) and (b), see (c) following them.