California Institute of Technology Cal Tech - Big T Yearbook (Pasadena, CA)

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various Mexican copper ores by MR. VINCENT KELLEY, and a study of former gold-producing territory by MR. MAURICE DONNELLY. DR. RENE ENGEL and MR. BEN HOLZMAN have carried on tests as to the radioactive properties of local waters and common rocks. AERONAUTICS THE aeronautics department has been featured by the work of four men: DR. T HEODOR VON KARMAN, in general charge; DR. A. L. KLEIN, director of wind-tunnel research; DR. CLARK MILLIKAN, mathematics wizard; and MR. IRVING P. KICK, meteorologist. Streamlining of ultra- modern automobiles and airships, and new weather forecasting systems have been the main subjects of re- search. HYDRAULICS DR. VON KARMAN has shifted to the held of hydraulics to assist ROBERT T. KNAPP and ROBERT L. DAUGH- ERTY in pump tests being made for the Metropolitan Water District. VITO VANONI and PROFESSOR KNAPP have done much practical work on a large working model of Alamitos Bay, in connection With silt problems. Working with the United States Department of Agriculture, they have designed and tested run-off Eumes for reforestation work. FRANK HOLMES has been distin- guished during the past year because of his invention of a rotary air com- pressor and motor Which has many advantages over the usual reciprocat- ing piston type. 29 RESEARCH Frank B. Holme; Vito Vamom' and Dr. Knapp Dr. Knapp, Df. Daugherty, R. M. Peabody, Dr. Von Kmmmz

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THE EDUCATIONAL POLICIES OF TECH HAVE BEEN QUES- TIONED THIS YEAR BY A SPECIAL COMMITTEE. THE failure of the students of Cal Tech to participate in activities or take interest in social affairs finally brought recognition of the fact that Tech trained men do not receive a rounded training. The policy of the Institute has been to select men after the passing of a rigid entrance examination. The courses provide excellent training in the technical fields, and Cal Tech has become known for the high standards of work demanded of the under- graduates. The widespread recognition of the school has drawn students interested in both science and engineering to the school each year from even for- eign countries. However, the policy of the school has brought an over-ernphasis on technical training, with the result that Tech students are lacking in social training. To determine, if possible, what should be the main purpose in under- graduate training at Cal Tech, and to find what steps should be taken to carry out that purpose and remedy present faults in Cal Tech,s educa- tional system, the faculty appointed a committee on campus life and ac- tivities. This move was made at the request of the Committee on Student Relations. The men to serve upon the committee were selected from the Executive Council, associates, faculty, alumni, and students, and was under the chairmanship of PROFESSOR FRANKLIN THOMAS. Most important of the recommen- dations in relation to the educational policy of the Institute is the recom- mendation to not prevent students from registering due to low grades after having satisfactorily completed the Sophomore year; and the discon- tinuance of grading in the Junior and Senior years, allowing the student more than four years to finish his courses, and granting his degree only upon his completion of the courses. This recommendation is in line with changes being made in other schools in recognition of the indi- vidual needs in education. As yet no action upon the recommendations of the committee has been announced by the Executive Council or Trustees. The Institute at present grants only the degree of Bachelor of Science upon the completion of the under- graduate work in either of the courses in science or engineering. The men who were candidates for degrees this year are listed on the following pages. There are also described two edu- cational programs that are sponsored for the students by the faculty. These programs are the Monday Assemblies and the Treasure Room Exhibits. 31 EDUCATION- AL POLICY