University of Georgia - Pandora Yearbook (Athens, GA)

Page 11 text:

y Nl VERSITY The University of Georgia is as old in tradition as it is young in spirit. The oldest state chartered university, it received its charter in 1785, only two years after the British recognized American independence. The original document, primarily the work of Abraham Baldwin, is preserved in the library ' s rare book collection. Baldwin became the first President, and during the next sixteen years while the state was recovering from the ravages of war he directed the accumulation of funds and the selection of a site for the young University. After much political wrangling the site was finally decided. It was, of course, what is now Athens, but at that time was a high, wooded hill overlooking the Oconee River and only a few miles from deepest Indian country. In 1801, Franklin College opened its doors to about thirty young men who were enrolled as its first students. Baldwin, feeling his job hod been done, then resigned the Presidency; and Joseph Meigs, a Yale graduate, succeeded him. The next ten years were spent in establishing Franklin College as on institute of higher learning, and, naturally enough, the curri- culum was patterned after that of Yale. Meigs resigned in 181 1 because of his radical political views. During the War of 1812 and the years following the people lost interest in education, and the state was financially unable to support it. The turning point came in 1819 when the school ' s attendance reached an all-time low of seven. Moses Waddel who hod been successful in the management of on academy in South Carolina was appointed to the Presidency of the University. He served for ten years, and by the end of this time the institution was firmly on the road to success. The University continued to grow steadily in size and importance, add ing new schools and courses to keep the curriculum up to date. Each year more students enrolled, more housing and instruction facilities are required for them. Through the Campus Development Plan, concrete plans have been laid down for the long-range expansion of the University. Georgia, in spite of all the changes, has retained its traditional air of friendliness and democracy. Regardless of family wealth, or political power, the student who earnestly works to attain success finds the way mode smoother by the consideration and assistance of both faculty and students. Southern culture, American democracy, and dedication to higher learning have combined to build little Franklin College into the University of today and to keep it old and conservative, yet young and progressive.

Page 10 text:

» ■ ■■•■ ' ■■.fl ? -7V4 :;••?:

Page 12 text:

DR. O. C. ADERHOLD President of the University of Georgia ADMINISTRATION PROGRESSIVE POLICIES From the realm s of the Board of Regents the governing policies of the University are originated. The Chancellor, President, administrative heads, and deans of the eleven schools and colleges help in the formulation of these policies and are responsible for the progress made through them. The departments such as the Admissions, Library, and Plant Operations as well as the others have contributed to this progress. As more students enroll, the University becomes necessarily more selective. Standards have been raised, and since 195 3, a prospective freshman must have at least a C average in every course taken in high school. In the event the student does not meet the academic requirements, he may take a battery of tests given by the Guidance Center to determine his aptitude and the possibility of his acceptance. These tests may be taken from January through the summer at testing centers which have been placed at strategic points around the state this year for the convenience of the student and his parents. Although off- campus, they are under the supervision of the University Guid- ance Center. This plan of helping the prospective student has been very effective, and the Admissions Department has a big job ahead of it in aiding the anticipated 1400 freshmen this Fall. One of the major developments in the Ilah Dunlap Little Memorial Library is the increase in its use by the students. To augment the vast number of books available to library-goers, the Library adds many books each year; 1954-55 ' s total was 14,105 volumes. In an effort to help the students better under- stand the organization and functions of the Library, a com- bined lecture-tour has been given to freshmen English classes. A library always has projects underway in attempts to increase holdings and to improve services. One of the Library ' s current projects, and a big one, is the microfilming of newspapers. Although the Library buys the films of the Atlanta Constitution and several other dailies, it is microfilming on its own one daily newspaper, The Athens Banner Herald, and thirty-seven Georgia weeklies. A part of the extensive building plan for the University is underway with the construction of the Center for Continuing Education. The University has also laid concrete plans for a new men ' s dormitory for graduate and law students, an animal science building, a chemistry building, and the Fine Arts Exten- sion, all of which should be under construction by June, 1956. In building the Continuing Education Center, the most adequate adult education facility in America is being created. This facility will be used to see what difference education can make in the quality of living on an adult level. The building which will open Fall Quarter, 1956, will have accommodations for 300 overnight guests, dining facilities for 500, auditorium seating for 400, 27 conference rooms, 750 parking spaces, and will be entirely air-conditioned. The program will involve the use of television, motion pictures, radio, printed materials, and home study, backed up by personal conferences and aids to community growth and development. Continuing Education will truly be A story of helping — people help themselves. The Board of Regents is currently compiling the rules and regulations which make possible this tremendous progress through policies. And the booklet will be completed in about six or eight months for those who wish to see in print How the Uni- versity Makes its Progress.