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Title: Joseph Cummings Papers, 1851-1899
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Date: 1851
Notes: This collection is primarily comprised of Joseph Cummings' annual reports on Wesleyan University for the years 1857-1874, excepting the 1866-1867 school year. These reports contain censuses of Wesleyan's student body, including lists of students that have died or taken seriously ill during the school year. They also include Cummings' recommendation that women be admitted into Wesleyan and his suggestions for allocation of funds, most prominently with regards to building and maintaining a library. The collection also contains Cummings' correspondence, including with Julia Olin and W.O. Atwater (primarily regarding securing Atwater's employment), as well as Cummings' official acceptance of the position as president at Wesleyan University. Also included are several articles by Cummings, a petition against his resignation from the professorship, and his wife D.S. Cummings' correspondence. For more information, refer to the finding aid for the collection: http://wesleyan.edu/libr/schome/FAs/cu1000-89.xml.

Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 001, Folder 001: 1857-1858, p. 9
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (150) are unnecessarily absent. It has become the custom to go out and teach. It is a pleasant way in which to spend the Winter months. Under these
Show more(150) are unnecessarily absent. It has become the custom to go out and teach. It is a pleasant way in which to spend the Winter months. Under these circumstances the following arrangement of Terms is proposed The Fall Term shall commence on the Third Thursday of August " " close Nov. 17 Its length will be 13 weeks Fall Vacation 3 weeks Winter Term will commence Dec. 9th " " close March 5 Length 12 weeks Spring Vacation 2 weeks Spring Term will commence March 17th " " close June 22 Commencement Third Wednesday of June Summer Vacation 8 weeks This arrangement will make the college year 39 weeks, one week longer than heretofore.
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 001, Folder 001: 1857-1858, p. 10
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (151) It is recommended that the next year should (151) commence Sept. 2nd as it would not be expedient to shorten the coming summer vacation. Many of
Show more(151) It is recommended that the next year should (151) commence Sept. 2nd as it would not be expedient to shorten the coming summer vacation. Many of this class of students more particularly interested have been consulted and this plan has received their unanimous approval. It is not designed to deprive indigent students of the privilege of teaching but to give it to them with less loss in scholarship and discipline than heretofore. The Winter Term with the Fall and Spring vacations will occupy 17 weeks a period amply sufficient for Teaching. All the students can be required to be in college during the Fall and Spring Terms. Those who teach will be absent one term the shortest, instead of a part of two, and their position as students will be definitely understood. By a proper arrangement (152) of the hours of recitation they can anticipate a part of the studies of the Winter Term or make up with the classes following them their omissions, inasmuch as in most cases it will not be necessary for them to be absent every winter. 2. Moden languages In accordance with the usages of most colleges the Modern Languages now constitute a part of the course in the University but while all other studies including even Hebrew for which less generally provision is made and taught without extra expense the students who elect the Modern Languages are required to pay a sum additional to the regular tuition sufficient to defray the whole expense of instruction in this department. This is generally and as we think properly regarded as unjust. We deem it inexpedient in view of the best interests of the University. �
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 001, Folder 001: 1857-1858, p. 11
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (152) of the hours of recitation they can anticipate a part of the studies of the Winter Term or make up with the classes following them their
Show more(152) of the hours of recitation they can anticipate a part of the studies of the Winter Term or make up with the classes following them their omissions, inasmuch as in most cases it will not be necessary for them to be absent every winter. 2. Moden languages In accordance with the usages of most colleges the Modern Languages now constitute a part of the course in the University but while all other studies including even Hebrew for which less generally provision is made and taught without extra expense the students who elect the Modern Languages are required to pay a sum additional to the regular tuition sufficient to defray the whole expense of instruction in this department. This is generally and as we think properly regarded as unjust. We deem it inexpedient in view of the best interests of the University.
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 001, Folder 001: 1857-1858, p. 12
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (153) We recommend therefore that no extra charge hereafter be made for instruction in the Modern Languages and thus until such [\page] 1857-1858 3
Show more(153) We recommend therefore that no extra charge hereafter be made for instruction in the Modern Languages and thus until such [\page] 1857-1858 3 time as a professor shall be elected to the department the Prudential Committee be authorized to provide for instruction in this department. 3. Scientific course. Theology etc. It is proposed to give more definiteness to our Scientific course and so to arrange it as to meet the wants of a large class of young men who not having the time or the means of completing a full college course wish to secure a good English Education together with some knowledge of Greek, Hebrew and Theology. It is believed there are many in the church for whom such provision should be made. There (are) in college about forty Preachers and an additional number �
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 001, Folder 001: 1857-1858, p. 13
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (154) who intend to devote themselves to the work of the Ministry. But few of them will ever attend our Theological Seminaries yet they would gladly
Show more(154) who intend to devote themselves to the work of the Ministry. But few of them will ever attend our Theological Seminaries yet they would gladly improve opportunity to make some more precise preparation for their future works. It is hoped that during the coming year arrangements may be made on the part of officers of the University to give such extra and voluntary instruction as the time and engagements of the students will allow them to receive.
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 001, Folder 001: 1857-1858, p. 14
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (155) 4. Church scholarships The attention of the Joint Board is particularly requested to the consideration of the expedience of reserving an
Show more(155) 4. Church scholarships The attention of the Joint Board is particularly requested to the consideration of the expedience of reserving an additional number of cheap scholarships. The proportional number of students who pay tuition is yearly becoming less. Of the present number of students 85 pay no tuition. Nearly all who signify an intention of becoming members of the University urgently request the privileges of scholarships. By a rule of the University tuition is remitted to a certain number of indigent worthy students. The demand for favors of this character is constantly increasing. Other colleges grant similar favors and some give assistance in addition to gratuitous instruction. Judging from present indications it is probable that in a few years tuition in all our colleges will be free. Under such circumstances in as such as the majority
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 001, Folder 001: 1857-1858, p. 15
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (156) of our students now pay no tuition it may reasonably be expected that in a few years all income from this source will cease. Benevolence to the
Show more(156) of our students now pay no tuition it may reasonably be expected that in a few years all income from this source will cease. Benevolence to the indigent and the worthy, and good policy work within the demand for an increase in the number of scholarships. In a few years it will be too late to increase the endowment by this means. Other Methodist colleges competing with us for the favor of the church and country have introduced the scholarship plan and use it as an inducement to secure students some of whom would otherwise prefer the University. Yet no one of them is so well prepared for the plan as is this institution. Whatever distrust May be excited by the plan with reference to unendowed institutions there can be no doubt as to the benefit resulting to those that do not only rely for support on receipts from tuition. If we had a thousand scholarship holders in various parts of the country we should have a thousand friends who would have a personal and
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 001, Folder 001: 1857-1858, p. 16
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (157) a material interest in the welfare of the University. They would naturally consider its affairs and would not only recommend collegiate
Show more(157) a material interest in the welfare of the University. They would naturally consider its affairs and would not only recommend collegiate education but regard the University as the place in which to secure it. The role of scholarships would be the Most influential mode of advertising. The avails of 100 scholarships at $100 invested as a part of this permanent endowment would be in [\page] 1857-1858 4 the course of years as I think greater than all its future receipts of tuition. It is therefore recommended that a skillful agent should be employed to sell perpetual and transferable scholarships for $100 each. Each scholarship holder shall be entitled to help one student whose character and conduct shall meet the approval of the faculty in the Institution free from tuition charges. It is further proposed that for $50 scholarships shall be issued that shall secure free tuition for fifteen years after the
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 001, Folder 001: 1857-1858, p. 17
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (158) date of the certificate. It is believed that at least 400 perpetual scholarships can be sold and it is altogether probable that the number will
Show more(158) date of the certificate. It is believed that at least 400 perpetual scholarships can be sold and it is altogether probable that the number will be much larger than this. Four hundred scholarships at $100 would amount to $40,000 which at six percent will yield $2,400. Our present highest receipts for tuition are $1500 per year. The benevolence thus would extend the privileges of the University to worthy young men in indigent circumstances. The desire to extend the influence of this University and to protect it against undue competition from other colleges and a sound policy in financing would all seem to unite in demanding this plan. The delay of a few years will render its success impracticable.
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 001, Folder 001: 1857-1858, p. 18
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (159) 5. Reports of Buildings. Improvement of Grounds etc. Some marked changes and as I hope improvements have been made on the buildings and the
Show more(159) 5. Reports of Buildings. Improvement of Grounds etc. Some marked changes and as I hope improvements have been made on the buildings and the grounds. This has been made with the concurrence of the committee having them in charge. I deem it due these committees who have so kindly cooperated with me to assume the responsibility so far as may be practicable for the expenditures that have been made on the buildings. As nothing has been done I do not deem absolutely essential and as I must earnestly ask that much more may be done I am willing that the Judgement of the Joint Board with reference to these changes should be considered as approving or disapproving the course of the present Administration. For years past the state of the finances of the University has not allowed the requested expenditure of funds to improve the
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 001, Folder 001: 1857-1858, p. 1
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: 1857-1858 Report of the President of the Wesleyan University to the Joint Board Aug 2nd 1858 It affords me great pleasure to meet for the first time
Show more1857-1858 Report of the President of the Wesleyan University to the Joint Board Aug 2nd 1858 It affords me great pleasure to meet for the first time in an official relation the Joint Board of the University and in accordance with established usage to present reports relative to the institution. Circumstances rendered it impracticable for me to enter on my duties here before the middle of the Spring Term. As soon as released from existing engagements I came to Middletown although I should hive greatly preferred to enter on my duties at the beginning of a year or at least at the commencement of a term The thoughtfulness and kindness of my associates and the cordiality and good will manifested by the students removed in a great degree the embarrassment and difficulty that otherwise would have existed in this connection. I �
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 001, Folder 001: 1857-1858, p. 19
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (160) buildings and the grounds - Many of the Joint Board and also the Alumni and strangers who have visited Middletown have expressed their
Show more(160) buildings and the grounds - Many of the Joint Board and also the Alumni and strangers who have visited Middletown have expressed their mortification and used language falling little short of reproach with reference to the appearance of the buildings. Complaint has not been against the local officers and they cannot be justly condemned inasmuch as the funds have not been furnished for improvements and they have not been requested to make them. The amount requested for necessary improvements is not large and though I have not had the means of gaining an accurate knowledge of the state of the funds of the University yet I trust the Institution is able to meet this demand. It would be better to incur a temporary debt than to allow the buildings longer to be neglected. Our friends abroad and this community generally will respect us more and will more readily aid us if we
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 001, Folder 001: 1857-1858, p. 20
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (161) are confident enough to do what our obligations require. Our buildings and arrangements for instruction have too much the aspect of a declining
Show more(161) are confident enough to do what our obligations require. Our buildings and arrangements for instruction have too much the aspect of a declining Institution whose friends are doubtful whether its existence can long be continued. Within a few years a great change has taken place in the arrangement for inspection in Institutions of the highest grade and also in schools of a primary rank and I respectfully submit that those who are familiar with the accommodations furnished by more recent colleges, by many Academies and especially those under the [\page] 1857-1858 5 patronage of our church, with the buildings and the conveniences of public schools on inspecting our buildings with their dilapidated doors worn out floors and broken stairways and the accommodations for recitations will not pronounce them respectable or proper. �
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 001, Folder 001: 1857-1858, p. 21
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (162) The Mathematical room as been entirely changed and convenient seats for it procured by subscription. the Joint Boards are requested to examine
Show more(162) The Mathematical room as been entirely changed and convenient seats for it procured by subscription. the Joint Boards are requested to examine this room and if it meets their approval to direct that the other rooms be put in a similar condition. New doors, new rails for the stairs and in part new floors are absolutely required in the main building. The safety of the building as well as prudence and economy require that it should be thoroughly pointed. It would not be well to leave it in its present condition exposed to the frosts of another winter. The roof is much worn and the shingles must soon be renewed or some other covering provided. A large part of the flashing on the buildings is old and broken and ought to be renewed. There are no cisterns on the premises and but one well and this very dry. In case of a fire it would be impossible to extinguish a conflagration that should
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 001, Folder 001: 1857-1858, p. 22
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (163) make before its discovery considerable progress. Accidents of this kind in the buildings of public institutions have of late become fearfully
Show more(163) make before its discovery considerable progress. Accidents of this kind in the buildings of public institutions have of late become fearfully common and it is very important that all reasonable precautions should be adopted. Still further the students who room in the college buildings have no soft water and so far from having what are termed modern conveniences in dwellings have in this respect hardly the comforts of refined or civilized life. Two cisterns are needed that shall at all times supply abundance of soft water for daily use and also an ample supply for use in case the buildings should take fire. A deep covered drain should be made around the buildings. By this means the too large amount of water used in the buildings would be carried away, the dampness of the lower rooms removed and the general healthiness of the buildings much �
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 001, Folder 001: 1857-1858, p. 23
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (164) increased. The rooms of the students require extensive repairs and it is believed such repairs would secure many desirable results. Much of the
Show more(164) increased. The rooms of the students require extensive repairs and it is believed such repairs would secure many desirable results. Much of the disorder that in times past was common in colleges and the want of conformity in personal habits to the usage of good society on the part of students may freely be ascribed to the neglect of the authorities of this institution to secure to the students so far as may be practicable the comforts and order of well regulated homes [rooms?]. I could not undertake to govern students in a college in which the rooms, halls and recitation rooms, and the grounds were in a neglected condition wanting in neatness and comfort. There is a moral influence in well arranged buildings in comfortable orderly rooms that cannot otherwise be secured. In all our institutions the buildings do much of the teaching whether for good or evil. I would respectfully suggest that the buildings in all their
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 001, Folder 001: 1857-1858, p. 24
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (165) parts should be put in good order, that the rooms of the students at least once a year should be examined the furniture moved and then put in a
Show more(165) parts should be put in good order, that the rooms of the students at least once a year should be examined the furniture moved and then put in a good condition and that the expense should be charged on the Term Bills, and further that for all damages as has been the rule the occupants of the room in which the damage is done shall be held responsible but that for all special improvements in their rooms such as furnishings that one half be charged to the students desiring the room and the other half be 1857-1858 6 met by the University. The students have shown a commendable interest in the improvements. They raised by subscription the means to secure appropriate seats for the Mathematical rooms and I announce with pleasure that considering their circumstances they have subscribed a large sum to meet the expense of securing soft water. $35
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 001, Folder 001: 1857-1858, p. 25
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (166) It is not desired that the permanent funds of the institution should be used for the objects named. We believe that these funds should be held
Show more(166) It is not desired that the permanent funds of the institution should be used for the objects named. We believe that these funds should be held sacred and the increase only used to meet the expense of instruction. The income of the University is derived from several sources and I would suggest that an account should be kept with each fund which should be charged with its own expenses. It is therefore suggested that the income from room rent should be appropriated to such repairs as may be necessary and to secure the comforts and conveniences already named. Should a loan to this fund be necessary to meet expenditures now necessary it will soon be met by this regular income from their occupying the building. After the buildings are put in good condition they should be
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Title: Joseph Cummings papers, Box 001, Folder 001: 1857-1858, p. 26
Creator: Cummings, Joseph, 1817-1890
Text: (167) kept thus by the incidental fund which with a certain stated proportion of the room rent should be made large enough to meet all demands for
Show more(167) kept thus by the incidental fund which with a certain stated proportion of the room rent should be made large enough to meet all demands for this purpose. It is hoped that this suggestion that each fund should be chargeable with its own expenses will remove objections to the measures proposed that may be in the minds of any who would be unwilling that any part of the permanent funds should be diverted from their legitimate objects. V. New Buildings In connection with the foregoing suggestions it may be proper to urge the necessity of new buildings to meet the wants of the Institution. Many of our students coming from our larger seminaries where the arrangements for library and religious exercises are greatly superior to ours are greatly disappointed
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