Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1938 [PAGE 492]

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490

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

[September 27

(c) This view is supported by the fact that only $15,000 a year for two years was appropriated for journalism. Attorney General Kerner, when asked for an opinion on this matter, writes: "Section 2 directs that a course of instruction be offered which will best serve to train and equip persons for that profession. However, section 3, which appropriates $30,000 for the biennium ($15,000 a year) seems to be especially enlightening. "Certainly with that sum of money, separate buildings could not be erected, and a dean and instructors for an entire four year course could hardly be employed for that small sum nor could many new volumes be added to a library. "Of course, some instructors and perhaps a dean could be employed and a particular degree in journalism, if desired, be offered, but from the small amount appropriated, it is my notion the legislature evidently intended to direct the University to offer courses to students who had completed their preparatory work (high school or its equivalent) to best fit those students who wished to make journalism their profession, for that work, and grant a special degree." ( d ) It is also significant that the designation of the School of Journalism has never been protested or criticized by the Legislature during all t h e intervening years. T h e American Association of Schools and Departments of Journalism has thirty-two members. Designations used by the various institutions are as follows: School of Journalism: Department of Journalism: University of Georgia Boston University University of Illinois University of Colorado State University of Iowa Indiana University Louisiana State University Iowa State College University of Missouri University of Kansas Montana State University Kansas State College University of Nebraska University of Kentucky Northwestern University University of Michigan Ohio State University University of Minnesota University of Oklahoma N e w York University University of Oregon Pennsylvania State College University of Southern California Rutger's University Syracuse University University of Texas University of Washington Washington & Lee University University of Wisconsin _ „ , . College of Journalism: Graduate School of Journalism: Marquette University Columbia University Division of Journalism: Stanford University It is apparent that 15 institutions use the name "School of Journalism," 14 "Department of Journalism," and only one "College of Journalism." Attorney General Kerner, in his four-page opinion on this subject, seems to leave the matter to the discretion of the University, saying, "From a reading of the entire act, it seems to me to make little difference whether this d e p a r t : ment of the University is called a 'school' or a 'college,' however, since the legis : lature has used the word 'college,' I should call the department by that name." T h e Committee reports to the Board of Trustees that it sees no objection to the designation "College of Journalism" if President Willard and the University Senate believe that to be the proper designation from an educational standpoint, regardless of any pressure from the outside. W e feel most strongly, however, that all matters of this kind should be decided on their educational and administrative merits solely. W e do not believe that any group—political, industrial, or social—should dictate to the University, or should seek to have the Legislature impose their will on the University in matters of this kind.

On motion of Mr. Geary, this report was adopted.