University of Massachusetts Amherst - Index Yearbook (Amherst, MA)

Page 25 text:

Etttrr X 21 AbmhttBtration Melcomc to rcxp Pafeer E are enthusiastic in extending President Baker a cordial welcome. Because of his wide ' experience as an administrator, his thorough scholarship, and his tested leadership, we have every reason to believe that he will be successful in directing the affairs of the college. As a faculty we stand ready to support him loyally. The affairs of the college are on a sound basis, but the steady growth of the student body brings new problems. These President Baker must cope with immediately. They concern hous- ing, new definition of scope, limitation or expansion of women ' s work, the size and offerings of the graduate school, and reorganization of curriculum to meet new conditions. Such adjustments are common to all institutions of higher learning when they move from the position of the so-called small college into the realm of the larger schools with more diversified programs of study and service. It is our hope that policies will be so formulated that high standards may be maintained in every sphere of the college ' s activity. The selection of Hugh Baker is a guarantee that the college will not suffer seriously through the forced change of administration. His enthusiasm, broad outlook, and sane views on higher education at public expense will make him an effective and safe leader. The college has an outstanding record of achievement which offers a challenge to the very best efforts of our new leader. We confidently believe his administration will shed new glory on his record and bring added fame to the institution, its devoted teachers, alumni, and friends. It is with unusual pleasure, therefore, that I say in behalf of them — President Baker you are welcome at Massachusetts State College.

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AJimttitBtrattnn 20 1004 jFarctDcU to rexp Wi)atci)tt T T was my pleasure to serve as chairman of the committee which planned the inauguration pro- • gram for President Roscoe W. Thatcher in iqi . That day ushered in a new era for the college. It brought a sense of security and a spirit of hopefulness. The distinguished delegates, the friends of the college, the faculty, and students all agreed that we had inducted into the presidency a scholar and a strong administrator. President Thatcher took over his duties in the manner expected of a scientist. He collected the facts and made them serve as a basis for clarifying our objective. Then he formulated a pro- gram which would, without harming high standards, develop the college, increase its usefulness, and broaden its scope. This called for changes and the solution of definite problems. These were faced resolutely and fearlessly. In order to get results he stated the policy, pointed out the change desired, and then expected definite results from members of the administrative force responsible for its realization. His frankness inspired confidence. The Trustees cooperated, the faculty worked zealously, the State authorit ies voted needed appropriations, and the public rendered enthusiastic support. Among the definite accomplishments may be noted the naming of the two-year curriculum Stockbridge School of Agriculture, the reorganization of the course of study, the adoption of a plan for professional improvement, the building of a thoroughly modern Physical Education build- ing, the establishment of a Student Health Service, and the passage of a bill changing the name of the college. Then came the news that the President ' s health would not permit him to continue. His resigna- tion could not be denied. He retires to a less strenuous position on our staff with the definite as- surance that the Trustees, the faculty, the students, and the many friends of the college gratefully recognized his faithful and telling service. They wish for him many years of fruitful work as a research chemist.

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AimtitiBtrattott 22 JItttrrx bmini£itratibe Cfjanseg WITH the resignation of President Thatcher in iq z the Trustees appointed a committee to handle the administrative affairs of the College until the new president should take office. This committee, which functioned until the arrival on campus of President Baker in February, 1933, was headed by Mr. Robert D. Hawley, Secretary to the President, and had for its other members the Dean of the College, William L. Machmer ; Director of Short Courses, Roland H. Verbeck; Director of the Graduate School, Fred J. Sievers; Director of Extension Service, Willard A. Munson. By action of the Board of Trustees, changes have been made in tuition and fees to go into effect September i, 1933. The tuition fee for citizens of Massachusetts has been increased to one hundred dollars per year, while students from other states must pay two hundred and twenty dollars. Health, laboratory, and matriculation fees will, however, be deducted from that sum. Owing to lack of dormitory facilities, the freshman class entering in the fall of 1933 will again be limited to the number of three hundred, of which not more than seventy-five may be women. Out-of-state students will be limited to five per cent of each class. During the past year the decree specifying that students in the physical, biological and social science groups shall take credits in the agriculture or horticulture groups has been modified to allow them to take the required eighteen credits in any group other than the one in which they are doing their major work. The change from the three term year to the semester plan is one of the significant developments of the past year. The faculty acted favorably on the matter, and the new catalogue has been issued with the courses arranged on a semester basis to go into effect in Septembe r, 1933.