The sun., 1919-07-20

plished in such studies as mathem atics.
foreign languages and In tho sciences.
This application has reference more
particularly to elementary courses In
these subJecta Subsequent courses,
however. demanding more serious time
reflection on the part of the student,
cannot 30 advantageousiy be condensed
into twelve weeks term.
8. The plan also provides for q more
frequent opportunity for students to
enter or for former students to resume
their work where they were unable to
begin their studies at tho opening of
the academic year. In other words the
plan affords greater democratic oppor-
tunity.
4. 1t allows certain departments to
offer In the spring quarter courses
closely correlated with field and expert
mental work, Q. g., agriculture geology,
botany, SC
Advantages of tho -Four Quarter
systcp.
I. Enables the highest efficiency and
utilization of plant throughout the year.
There can be no question that a large
Investment such as is represented by our
institutions can not be run on an eco
nomic basis when In operation but a
part of the year. 1t must be borne in
mind. however. that the buildings are
In idleness in the summer at a period
when II costs less 10 operate them.
? Shortening OF course to three years
OF continuous study for students who
wish to graduate in the shortest pos
eible time. This Is a very important
consideration to the mature student or
one whose means are limited to a
shorter attendance.
3. Shortening the time required for
teachers who desire to gain advanced
degrees by work In summer attendance,
since much larger measure of credit
can be acquired through a full quarter
than In the ordinary summer session.
The summer quarter will undoubtedly,
therefore, be more attractive to this ella IS
OF students who can devote to residence
study only the summer vacation periods
for the attainment of a degree.
4. Flexibillty In regard to the con-
venience of members of the stan. In
certain cases they may teach the three
quarters that are most favorable to their
work. or teach four quarters and gain
leave OF absence.
s. Greater fiexibility is also provided
for the student Students who are
partly or wholly self-supporting may,
according to their individual needs, Sc
lect the quarter most advantageous for
earning the necessary means OF con-
tinuing their course.
s. Tho elimination OF two and three
hour courses naturally results in in
tensive work centred for shorter period
in daily Rotations of four and Ave
hour courses. Two and three hour
courses result in the students frequently
taking six or seven subjects, with con-
sequent division of effort.
Perhaps the best evidence OF the COM
plete success of the four quarter system
is represented and exemplified In the
case OF our hostess tthe University OF
Chicago), In whose halls we are to-day
holding our meeting. That the system
has worked so successfully here, where
1t has been in operation since the or
ganizatlon of the university. must be
regarded as discountlng any adverse
criticisms OF the system as r whole
or of its practicabllity. This of course
has not for a moment even been uues-
toned. The main difference between the
four quarter system and the two Sc
hester or three quarter system taken
Collectively lies primarily In the summer
quarter. both with reference 10 financial
and educational considerations The
fact must not be lost sight OF that a
very important factor here enters into
the situation. I have reference espe-
cially TO the student constituency OF the
summer work. AS has been pointed out.
this clientele differs very greatly from
that of the regular year. Should all
o. tho institutions go upon the four
quarter basis and maintain their instruc-
ton throughout the year this constitu-
ency divided ,among all OF the instl-
tutions would leave. II equally divided,
"A very small representation in each