October 5, 1917

The University officials desiring to serve the country in every possible way during war times have been not a little puzzled in regard to the subject of student labor and how it can be used most affectively. Suggestions have been made from time to time that during the cornhusking season the school should be closed. This however hardly seems feasible owing to the fact that many of the lines of work connected with the University lead directly to special lines of service in war times. To close the school would shut off the supply of army officers physicians engineers and civilian assistants of many types. In the latter class if the war continues a long there will be many young women from the towns and cities of the state who could be of little immediate use to the farmers in crop conservation and production. Obviously the University cannot as it did to some extent last spring give credits in unearned subjects no matter how industrious and patriotic the students may be. If the engineer does not have mathematical knowledge the military bridge may fall down. If the surgeon has not accurately studied bacteriology the wound may become infected. If the pharmacist does not know toxicology the prescription may be deadly. The University cannot give unearned credit even in war times. We can and will however grant to any student who is willing to leave the University to engage in crop conservation or production a furlough from his studies. With a leave of absence duly certified in advance, the student may return without prejudice. The University through its Extension Department will provide for such studies in absentia as the student may be able to carry and on his return appoint official coaches without cost to aid him in making up his work, especially during evening hours and holidays. Where a number of students of the same class are absent special coaching classes will be organized. Individual instruction will be provided for. Thus, for instance, if twenty-five students are behind in their French for six weeks during cornhusking time several hours a day drill by a competent teacher during the Christmas holdiays would probably bring them up to standard. The same would be true of other subjects. With the consent of the head of the department the official coaches will have the authority to give a passing war grade to any students who have been absent for industrial services whenver in the judgment of the coaches the student knows enough about the subject for his future practical work or to pursue his later courses successfully. Any student wishing to withdraw from the University at any time under this system of furloughs should register with Dean Engborg. No student dropping out without formal permission and returning later will receive any help in making up back work under these provisions. S. Avery