Project Editor: Kimberly Kraska, UCARE, 2007

Project Editor: Kimberly Kraska, UCARE, 2007

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Without doubt something of a preparatory department, in connection with the University, is a necessity under the existing condition of affairs. But there should be some fixed standard of scholarship required and every applicant should pass a satisfactory examination in all branches up to this standard, before being admitted. This standard should be as high as circumstances will admit, and be constantly raised until no candidate should be passed, that was not prepared to enter the Freshman class. The object for which the University was founded, was not to give all an opportunity to become proficient in the common branches-our district schools are supported for that purpose- but to furnish the means for instruction in the higher studies. We do not wish to call in question the wisdom of those who established the preparatory department, for we think it an absolute necessity to the existence of the school, but we do think the standard of scholarship has been lowered to such an extent, as to become absolutely detrimental to the best interests of the institution. We have said, that the existing condition of affairs, made the preparatory school a necessity. Now let us inquire what is this condition? What are the educational advantages enjoyed by a majority of the students previous to their entering the University? By far the greater number have only had the advantages which are offered by the district schools, those having the privilege of attending an academy or high school before entering here are the very rare exceptions.

As the University is a State institution, it should be so conducted as to accommodate the greatest number possible, and as we have said, by far the greater number come direct from the district school, hence the space left to be filed by the preparatory department is those studies lying between the branches generally completed in the common schools and the Freshman year. In the district schools scholars are supposed to become somewhat thorough in reading, spelling, geography, arithmetic, English grammar etc.; therefore before being admitted to the Latin school they should be required to pass a thorough examination in these branches.

What we wish to call attention to, is the fact that there is a large number of students in attendance, who could not pass a strict examination in these common branches, students that make no pretention to a proper use of the English language, and whose knowledge of arithmetic extends but little beyond the multiplication table. Now we think the admission of such students to be opposed to the true interests of the individual themselves, and also of the institu

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In Kansas a proposition has been offered of uniting the manual departments with their University. We do not know how this would suit our normal friends in Nebraska, but we think it would be a fine thing for our University. This would give us a preparatory school worthy the name. But there is work enough for each in their respective places, so let them work out their mission independently.