Illinois State Normal University - Index Yearbook (Normal, IL)

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The New Deal at Old Normal The story of the infinite number of changes which have taken place at Illi- nois State Normal University since the arrival of President Raymond W. Fair- child would require a book in itself g we can only attempt to review for you the major changes which have been instituted under his leadership. And should we consider them as merely surface features we would be overlooking their real importance which is to be found in the conception of a newer education which is to slouly evolve as newer ideas are confirmed and united into an educational pattern, which will always more nearly reach' to that something upon thehor- izon which promises life more richly coordinated and more truly enjoyed. And it is fine, is it not, to know that one's Alma Mater is progressing and assuming a place of growing importance, not only in the state, but just as truly in the national educational advancement. Illinois State Normal University, in the dimming past an object of nation-wide interest, has once again forged into a place of leadership among the teacher training institutions of the country. Outstanding among the recent changes at Old N ormal is the reorganization of the curriculum and the change to the semester basis which will go into effect in the fall of 1935. The past year has witnessed the semester plan in operation in the Training School. Of particular note in the curricular changes is the adoption of the idea of general cultural courses throughout the first two years of the four-year curriculum. The cultural background offered in the first two years of work provides a foundation upon which the more intensive study of the last two years may be based. The vast amount of labor required upon the part of administrators and instructors in the changing and rebuilding of courses which will coordinate with the semester plan has progressed rapidly and repre- sents an epic change in the history of the school. In redecorating Fell Hall, establishing Smith Hall, providing for a student lounge, adding such features as the Educational Library, the Social Science Li- brary, new furniture in the main library, new social science classrooms, new faculty ojices, new Index and Vidette ojices, radio facilities, and new general office equipment, much has been done to improve educational and recreational ad vantages and to exercise administrative efficiency. Su

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RAYMOND WILBUR FAIRCHILD A.B., University of Michigang MQA.. University of Michigang Pli.D., Northwestern Universityg Student, Illinois Wesley'a11 University, University of Illinois, and University of Chicago. i

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