THE FIRST STEP

The appointment of a permanent Dean for the Freshman Class is the first step that has been taken to carry out the improvements suggested in Dean Hanford's report on the first year at college. It was pointed out at that time that some stabilizing influence was necessary in that department to insure the experienced administration that the Freshman year requires. A permanent Dean supervising the first year and the two regular Freshman Deans is the best means of accomplishing this desired efficiency, for under such a system a uniform and effective policy can be carried out.

The appointment of Mr. Delmar Leighton to this position shows that the University officials have Dean Hanford's proposal well in mind. His experience as an instructor will give him sufficient contact with the individuals of the class while his term of office as Secretary to the Committee on the Choice of Electives has given him a thorough acquaintance with the problems of the first year. But the main point is that as a permanent administrator of Freshman affairs he will be able to inject efficient and intelligent organization into the present rather nebulous situation. This is a good beginning for a series of reforms that are becoming increasingly essential.