Repository: UIHistories Project: Book - Early History of University (1916) [PAGE 20]

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HISTORICAL SKETCH

XIX

English grammar, and United State history. Like other institutions of the Middle West, Illinois, after some experiments, adopted the "accredited school" system. The first school so accredited was the Princeton High School, and by 1880 the number had increased to twenty-two. 1 In the early days of the institution, the elective system predominated. Although liberty had its risks, it was " n o t thought useful or right to attempt to urge every student, without regard to his capacity, tastes, or practical wants, to take some lengthened curriculum.'' But gradually this system of complete freedom was modified, and students who desired to " g r a d u a t e , " were required to complete some one of the courses outlined in the catalog. The introduction of academic degrees at the commencement in 1878 strengthend this tendency. Distinct courses were then defined, to each of which a degree was given. According to the original state law, the usual diplomas and degrees could not be given by the University. Certificates showing the studies pursued and the attainments in each were given instead. But this was a new dispensation which the great world was unwilling to accept. The graduates found their paper not current in the market. The name of the institution was persistently misinterpreted. The Kegent had to be a t all times prepared to show that he was not only a trustee of the people but also their servant. I t is a matter of record that when the earlier professors went to the State Teachers' Association and sought admission to the college section, it was denied them because an institution that gave no degrees had no rightful claim to call itself a college." I n 1877 the alumni petitioned the legislature to give the University authority to grant degrees. The authority was given, and a fee of $5.00 required for each diploma.* Graduation with a certificate was still permitted to those who had obtained the requisite number of term credits, b u t not in subjects prescribed tor any particular degree. The social life during this period, was, in the main, simple and democratic. A number of student organizations were formed, many of which are still in existence. The earliest literary societies were the Adelphic and Philomathean organized in March, 1869. Two years later the women of the University organized the Alethenai. In the same year (1871) the University band furnished its first music for commencement. The first student publication appeared in November, 1871, and was known as The Student and published monthly. The paper two years later changed its name to The Illini. The Young Men's Christian Association and the Agricultural Society date back to the same year. In 1874, ther was organized an association for the advancement of telegraph, known as the Illinois Industrial University Telegraphic Association. Instruments on the line numbered twenty-five, and the central offices were open for practice all hours of the day. In the fall of 1868 Professor Samuel Walker Shattuck eame to the University as Assistant Professor of Mathematics and Instructor in Military Tactics. Three years later, ho became Professor of Mathematics and continued to serve the University in this department to Sept. 1, 1912. He also filled various other positions. He was Professor of Civil Engineering for the year 1869-70. He was Acting President for

»Rep. of 'Fourth "Rep. of <Kep. of the Univ. of III., 1880, p. 44. Annual Circular, pp. 25-7. Univ. of 111., 1888, Hist. Address by Selim H. Peabody, p. 207. Univ. of 111., 1878, p. 86.