University of Minnesota - Gopher Yearbook (Minneapolis, MN)

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Audio-visual extension The purpose of rhe Audio-Visual Intension Service is to serve rhe schools and colleges on rhe University Campus and throughout the state of Minnesota. A variety of services is offered including an annual Audio-Visual Institute, and a large library of films and tape recordings that may be rented. The film prints in the library now number about 8,000 and new titles and duplicate titles arc purchased every year. Services that arc offered without charge include the mailing of a news letter, film previewing, audio-visual conferences, equipment clinics and a projectionist consultation service. The conferences which are held are of a lecture-demonstration type and they arc open to administration and faculty members. Film programming is available to assist superintendents and faculty in planning class programs using supplemental films or tape recordings. The Audio-Visual Extension staff encourages faculty to use these materials, pparently they are successful because the Extension Service expects to have approximately 60,000 bookings this year. 26

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Agricultural extension The Smith-Lever Act passed by Congress in 1914 stated that The cooperative extension work shall consist of instruction in agriculture and home economics to persons not attending land grant colleges through field demonstrations, publications, and otherwise.” Today’s Agricultural Kxtension Service was established in 1909. There arc now nearly 48,000 4-11 club and 50,000 home group members and practically every one of Minnesota’s farms today is reached in one way or another. The program goes well beyond the farm; city and town people alike benefit from the home, gardening, marketing and agricultural information provided by the University through the Agricultural Extension Service. The county is the focal point of gricultural I'xtcn-sion work. Today every county in .Minnesota has a county agent, three our of four have home agents and half have one or more additional workers such as 4-II club, soil conservation and forestry. All agents are joint employes of the county. University and U. S. Department of Agriculture. In a sense. Agricultural Extension is the link between research findings and their application. Work with local people often uncovers new problems which are referred back to the F.xpcrimental Station for study. 25

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Correspondence study The Correspondence Study department is a part of rhe General Intension Division of the University of Minnesota. Its offices arc located in the ease wing of Nicholson I fall. Besides the large number of college courses offered for credit, the Correspondence department also has an extensive program of high school courses which, with the approval of local school authorities, may be used toward the completion of requirements for graduation from high school. Most of the courses in the general bulletin arc offered under special contract with rhe United States Armed Forces Institute to military personnel. This contract saves eligible military personnel half or more of rhe cost of each course. Veterans may also use this service to complete or continue their educational program. W ith some limitations, correspondence courses may even be used to acquire or renew teachers’ certificates. The courses are open to anyone who can handle them successfully and may be started at any rime. The department operates throughout rhe calendar year. The advantages of home study are stated in the motto, “Learn for Living Through I Ionic Study.” 27