Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1948 [PAGE 1152]

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1948]

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

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the W a r n e r Construction Company, and M. Alperin, Vice-President of the Warner Construction Company; a complete outline of the history of wage rates on this construction, concurred in by both the contractor and University officers; a report of a survey by Director Donald E. Dickason of rates in various cities; and a complete summary of the history of the facts and issues involved. All of this information was reviewed and discussed in detail. Legal Counsel Britton stated that in his opinion the contract can not legally be changed in the manner proposed by the Warner Construction Company. Subsequent to the meeting of the Committee, he prepared a written opinion on the subject which will be made a part of this report.

After full discussion, the Committee voted unanimously to recommend that the W a r n e r Construction Company be advised that the Board can not assent to the proposed changes in the contract requested by the Company. O n motion of Mr. Williamson, this recommendation was adopted.

EMPLOYMENT OF FOREIGN STUDENTS (10) At the meeting of the Board on May 21, 1048 (Minutes, page 1093), I presented a request for revision of the policy of the University in regard to the employment of foreign students so as to permit their employment, subject to the regulations of the United States Immigration Service, when equally wellqualified American students were not available. This proposal was not approved by the Board. I feel that I did not present it adequately. Since I believe that the immediate effect of cutting off the proposed services will be detrimental to the work and the standing of the University in various departments, I should like to review the situation briefly and to make a further recommendation. Up to June 28, 1940, no restrictions were in effect and many departments were strengthened by the availability of excellent students from foreign countries on part-time appointments. Even during the war the Board's policy was to permit the employment of foreign students who were citizens of countries with which the United States was allied. During the war the problem was not acute since international travel was out of the question. It now appears to be highly desirable to return to the pre-1940 status. There is no question of the illegal entry of nationals from former enemies and it is practically impossible for a known Communist to receive travel authority. All persons coming to this country are investigated both by the United States Immigration Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. In addition, on entering the employ of the University of Illinois they sign an affidavit of loyalty. In fact, the departments concerned report that their foreign students come from the stable and conservative families, often with a previous history of wealth. T h e foreign students employed during the past year have been of extreme importance to the University at a time when skilled workers have been hard to obtain. It is felt by all concerned that to keep up war-time limitations would have a crippling effect, particularly in the language departments. For example, the French Department has had the services of five French assistants, of whom three are not prospective American citizens. In the Department of Spanish and Italian an effective program of instruction has been built up on the basis of securing informants from Latin America. During the present year they have come from Mexico, Chile, Colombia, and Brazil. Generally, it is not possible for Americans to replace such persons, who are in this country only for a few years and are glad to work on this basis. Similarly, in some departments in which we have substantial research contracts we are, to some extent, dependent upon foreign assistants. In the Department of Electrical Engineering we have seven in important assignments: two from India, two from China, two from Switzerland, and one from Canada. The Department of Chemistry employs two expert Chinese engaged in fundamental rubber research under a grant. T h e Department of Civil Engineering has for years attracted a large number of foreign students. They have returned to their countries as great supporters of Illinois and of the United States. I can testify to this in the case of Dr. Mikishi Abe, who worked under Professor Talbot and is now one of the most distinguished engineers in Japan. H e is in charge of the