DEPARTMENT REORGANIZATION
A reorganization of departments and a grouping into divisions has just been recommended to the Trustees by the Faculty on a basis that will give a distinctly democratic flaver to the instructional work of the College. The subjects of instruction have been grouped for purposes of administration into seven divisions as follows:
(1). Ancient Languages and Literatures: Greek, Latin.
(2). Modern Languages and Literatures: English, Romance Languages, Russian, German, Comparative Literature.
(3). Mathematical and Physical Sciences:
Mathematics, Physics, Astronomy, Chemistry, Graphics and Engineering.
(4). Natural Sciences: Chemistry, Biology, Physiology, Geology and Mineralogy.
(5). Social Sciences History, Economics, Political Science, Sociology, Biblical History, and Literature.
(6). Philosophy and Psychology: Philosophy, Psychology, Education.
(7). Fine Arts: Archaelogy, Modern Art, Music.
These divisions will name and have general oversight of courses constituting a major, as well as of the coordination and correlation of courses within the divisions. They will also pass upon the thesis and examination of candidates for the Master s degree.
Greater democratization is shown in the reorganization of departments. In the past there has been no official action delegating responsibility for department business to a permanent head although this has been the unofficial policy. Now, however, the Faculty recommend that the Trustees by formal action provide for contact between department and administration by a chairman appointed by the President from among the Professors and Assistant Professors of the departments for a term of two years. The chairman may be reappointed but in general the principle of rotation will apply. The assumption of administrative responsibility at an earlier time by younger men of the department is expected to work to the advantage of the instructional staff and of the department.
The departments will have the duty of formulating the educational policy, correlating the courses and providing for the business management of the department. It will also recommend to the President men under consideration for appointment to the grade of instructor.
In the department and division meetings all members of the department of the grade of instructor or above are to have equal voting rights except that in the recommendation of men for appointment as instructor only Professors and Assistant Professors may vote.
Each department will have its secretary who will keep all department records and other officers, such as librarian, laboratory director, purchasing agent, etc. may be appointed according as the need arises.
A further step in line with the broadened suffrage in departments and divisions is the recommendation to the Trustees that voting rights, which of recent years have only been accorded to Professors and Assistant Professors, be now granted to all members of the Faculty except instructors in their first year of service in the College.
