UIHistories Project: A History of the University of Illinois by Kalev Leetaru
N A V I G A T I O N D I G I T A L L I B R A R Y
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Repository: UIHistories Project: Book - History of the University (Nevins) [PAGE 283]

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264 ADMINISTRATION OP THE UNIVERSITY information concerning University policies sometimes leaked out prematurely. It was therefore decided that the President should send only such papers and reports to the Trustees as in his judgment would be of aid to them. President James has repeatedly shown the same jealousy of his office, and it has not been encroached upon. Indeed, in the last decade the Trustees have not only allowed the President due executive latitude, but have deferred to him more and more in legislative policy. Each Trustee generally feels himself interested in some phase of the University's work, while there are a number of special committees. But the men and women are usually unable to give detailed attention to the state of the University as a whole, or to grasp all sides of a problem affecting it in its entirety; there is naturally a growing tendency to accept the expert judgment of the President. This is true even when it is opposed within the University. Thus several years ago the college of engineering wished to have $50,000 more given it than the budget approved by the President allowed. Dr. James asked Dean Goss to speak before the Trustees in defense of his position, which he and several departmental heads did; the Board was much impressed, and two members spoke seconding Dean Goss's stand; yet the Trustees finally followed the President. The Trustees theoretically meet four times a year, but in practice nearly a score of sessions are required. As the meetings seldom require less than two days' time, the total is a severe tax upon the unpaid members. Less and less attempt is made to transact business in committee, for this is found often to mean simply a duplication of work. The Trustees are the only State officers who, since the passage of the direct primary