Chicago's Adjustment

Year ago young President Robert Maynard Hutchins of the University of Chicago startled U. S. educators by announcing a drastic revision of Chicago's system. Freshmen would enter a college where attendance at lectures was optional, study requirements up to the student, one comprehensive examination given him--usually after two years, although it could be taken earlier or later. From the college a student would pass into one of four university divisions to specialize for his degree (TIME, Dec. 1, 1930). When the system was put into operation last autumn many faculty members looked forward to ''a devil of a mess." Last fortnight President Hutchins made a speech to the first freshman class that has worked under the new plan. Said he: "You have made a very creditable adjustment to the new situation. You have faced a new system. . . .Believe me when I say it has been worth it. ... It would have been folly for us to allow a year to pass without giving you or the faculty some check on your progress. . . . Every member of the college faculty is available for personal conferences with you at any time. I would urge you to make more use of them. . . ." This year "scholastic aptitude" determined by tests rose 1.1%. Special group classes have been formed to train those found deficient in some courses. Many students did more work than was expected of them. Many faculty members also worked "overtime." Few complained. Chief complaint from students was that they were "advised" to do more work than they had time for. To them President Hutchins offered another bit of advice : "You have freedom to go as slow or as fast as you wish. The University attaches no disgrace to a longer stay in the college than two years. The city of Chicago has . . . educational opportunities which may very well be more valuable to you than a formal course. If that is true I should urge you to drop the fourth course every quarter and adjust your program to all your desires and needs."

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