UCCSN Board of Regents' Meeting Minutes
04-03-1939
Volume 5 - Pages 244-251
REGENTS MEETING
April 3-4, 1939
The Board of Regents met in the Office of the President at 9:30
A.M. Monday, April 3rd. All members and Dr. Hartman were pres-
ent. After Artemisia photograph was taken, Judge Brown withdrew
for the remainder of the morning.
The minutes of the January 28th meeting were approved save that
Mrs. Wardin's name should be added to the personnel of the Stu-
dent Welfare Committee.
Comptroller Gorman presented his report to the Board and certain
items therein were acted upon as follows:
On motion of Mr. Williams, Comptroller Gorman was authorized (1)
to sign the reorganization plan of the Mackay Company and (2) to
send the $120,000 in Postal Telegraph bonds for endorsement and
required by this reorganizational plan. Carried unanimously.
On motion of Mr. Williams, Chairman Ross was authorized to sign
the deed to the land being sold to Mr. Prescott. Carried unani-
mously.
On motion of Dr. Olmsted, Comptroller Gorman was authorized to
prepare a lease of the University Farm to Mr. and Mrs. E. P.
Cassinelli at an annual rental of $1500 and the Chairman was
authorized to sign the same for the University when approved
as to form. It was understood that Mr. Gorman would ask Dean
Stewart to accompany him and they would have an understanding
with the Cassinelli's that certain improvements in soil and
plant betterments should be inaugurated at the earliest possible
time and should be maintained during their tenancy of the Farm.
On motion of Dr. Olmsted, and in accord with Mr. Gorman's recom-
mendation, Mr. Herbert Byington was authorized to run a wire
fence around the lower end of the new Mackay Field and so make
a corral. In return for this privilege he will clear a 2-acre
tract of weeds and will repair the line fence which is in bad
condition, thereby saving the University expense.
At Mr. Gorman's suggestion Mr. Russell Mills appeared before the
Board and presented his tentative plans for the new Engineering
building and made certain cost estimates. A general discussion
was had at the conclusion of which it was agreed that Mr. Mills
should be directed to employ, at his own expense, a competent
engineer who would be responsible to Mr. Mills, said engineer to
advise as to heating plant, sewer and water connections, etc.
It was also agreed to hold down to not more than $5000 the cost
of the Hydraulics Laboratory, details of equipping which were to
be left open until competent advice could be obtained. It ap-
peared best, in the judgment of the Board members, that the plans
should include the addition of a Mechanical Engineering wing and
that to make this possible, the present equipment of the Engi-
neering offices, class rooms and laboratories should be moved
into the new building, no attempt being made at this time to
equip and furnish with new items this proposed building.
It is further agreed that a competent supervisor of construction
should be employed from general funds to see that the building
is constructed as planned and to check all plans and specifica-
tions before bids are requested. The President is to canvass the
situation and nominate such supervisor to the Board at the Com-
mencement meeting.
Mr. Mills has agreed to a 6% over-all fee for his services.
As a result of the Fire Chief's report to Mr. Gorman, Mr. Gorman
was instructed to secure plans and specifications of fire escapes
for Lincoln and Morrill Halls and the President is to advise Dean
Mack that doors to fire escapes at Artemisia Hall are never to
be locked on the inside. The Chief understands that we are work-
ing toward the perfection of his report.
On motion of Mr. Williams, the following Resolution was unani-
mously adopted:
WHEREAS, the 1939 Legislature passed an Act making it the
duty of the Board of Regents to require all Officers and
employees of the University of Nevada whose duties as
prescribed by law require such Officers or employees to
approve claims against any public funds not under the
control of the Board of Regents to file such claims in
the Regents Office at the University of Nevada for trans-
mittal, and
WHEREAS, in order to carry out the provisions of this Act,
it is necessary that the Board of Regents designate the
proper Officer of the University with whom such claims
shall be filed;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Comptroller of the
University be and he is hereby designated as the proper
Officer to receive such claims for transmittal, and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Comptroller, with the
President of the University, subject to the approval of the
Board of Regents, is hereby authorized, empowered and di-
rected to make such rules as are necessary to carry out
the provisions and intent of this Act of the Legislature.
Mrs. Wardin reported the rumor that a movement was under way to
remove the Rare and Precious Metals Mines Experiment Station
from our Campus to Salt Lake City. It was the unanimous deci-
sion of the Board that the President should write to our Senators
and Congressman, report this rumor, ask them if possible to trace
it to its source and urge them to do everything in their power to
see that it is kept here.
On recommendation of Dr. Hartman, it was unanimously agreed to
lend to the Nevada Historical Society the old bell on the top
floor of Morrill Hall in accordance with the request of Miss
Wier, as presented by Dr. Hartman.
It was unanimously decided that the President should confer with
Mr. Gorman and Miss Wier in regard to her offer to secure trained
WPA workers to go through the old records, etc. in the vault and
put them in such order that those of value may be readily acces-
sible and those of no value destroyed.
Dr. Hartman read Jay Carpenter's letter to Judge Norcross wherein
he explained his reason for not accepting the tentative appoint-
ment of adviser to the Court in pending mining litigation. The
Board expressed their pleasure at this reply and asked the Pres-
ident to advise Professor Carpenter of their reaction.
Dr. Hartman reported that Professor Carpenter had been requisi-
tioned by the Governor for services with the Nevada Colorado
River Commission and had, in accord with permission earlier
granted him, gone on leave beginning April 1st, his salary dur-
ing his absence being paid by the Commission and his classes
being taken over by Director Fulton.
Dr. Hartman reported for the Associated Engineers that Eldon
Ballinger of Las Vegas won the Regents' 1939 cash prize of $25,
which is payable to him one week after his enrollment next Fall
as an Engineering student.
Dr. Hartman read the letter and cablegram of Mr. Katherine Mackay
Hawkins expressing her thanks and sending her greetings to the
Regents from Honolulu.
He also presented Mr. Dashiell's request to be permitted to
appear before the Board "before final decision is reached with
respect to the athletic situation."
It was unanimously agreed, on motion of Mr. Williams, to accept
the recommendation of Dr. Hartman to suspend for the year 1939-
40 the $2.50 registration and the $5 incidental fees and to in-
clude this action in the forthcoming catalog.
On motion of Mr. Ross, the Board unanimously accepted the recom-
mendation of Dr. Hartman to accept the resignation of Miss
Katherine Lewers as Associate Professor of Art, effective Febru-
ary 1, 1939. Mr. Ross further moved that, if it be possible to
get her to accept it, the Board grants her a pension, effective
as from September 1, 1939. Vote:
Mr. Williams Aye
Mr. Ross Aye
Mrs. Wardin Aye
Dr. Olmsted Aye
On the recommendation of Dr. Hartman, Mr. Ross moved the election
of Mrs. Helen Joslin as Instructor in Art at $100 per month from
February 1 to June 1, 1939. Vote:
Mr. Williams Aye
Mr. Ross Aye
Mrs. Wardin Aye
Dr. Olmsted Aye
On recommendation of Dr. Hartman, Mr. Ross moved the election of
Mrs. Helen Joslin to be Instructor in Art at $120 per month for
the 10 months beginning August 1, 1939. Vote:
Mr. Williams Aye
Mr. Ross Aye
Mrs. Wardin No
Dr. Olmsted Aye
On motion of Mr. Williams the Board unanimously approved the rec-
ommendation of Dr. Hartman to accept, at her request, the resig-
nation of Mrs. Mae B. Simas, Assistant Professor of Physical
Education for Women, effective August 1, 1939, with understanding
that Dr. Hartman will convey to her the appreciation of the Board
for the fine service she has rendered the University.
On recommendation of Dr. Hartman, Mr. Williams moved that the
Board authorize the election of an additional Fellow in Chemistry
at a cash stipend of $600 for the year 1939-40. Vote:
Mr. Williams Aye
Mr. Ross Aye
Mrs. Wardin Aye
Dr. Olmsted Aye
On recommendation of Dr. Hartman, Dr. Olmsted moved that Dr.
Anatole G. Mazour be re-elected Assistant Professor of History
and Political Science for the University year 1939-40. Carried
unanimously.
Recessed to 3 P.M. at which time Senator Lattin and Mr. Carl
Shelley of the Legislative Investigating Committee are to appear
before the Board.
Reconvened at 3 P.M. with Messrs. Lattin and Shelley present and,
within 20 minutes, Judge Brown joined the other Regents.
Senator Lattin was asked to explain the basis on which his Com-
mittee found evidence to warrant its recommendation that "the
two men placed in charge of the Physical Education Department
and the Athletic Department be new persons unattached to Nevada
interests." He outlined in some detail the plan of his Commit-
tee in prosecuting the investigation in its several fields and
tendered to the Board the services of himself and his Committee
in any way the Board might desire. Mr. Shelley also spoke with
warm sincerity and seconded the Senator's proffer of assistance.
Mr. Ross thanked the Committee members for appearing before the
Regents and they then withdrew.
Dr. Hartman recommended the return of Alden J. Plumley to serv-
ice in the Department of Economics, Business and Sociology at a
salary of $2400 per year effective August 1, 1939.
Mr. Williams moved the adoption of this recommendation. Vote:
Mr. Williams Aye
Mr. Ross Aye
Mrs. Wardin Aye
Dr. Olmsted Aye
Judge Brown Aye
On motion of Mrs. Wardin, Dr. Hartman's recommendation that the
course in Business Law, hitherto taught by Judge Souter at a
stipend of $400 in the 2nd semester, be absorbed by the Depart-
ment, as suggested by Dr. Inwood, was unanimously carried.
Dr. Hartman presented, with his approval, Dr. Inwood's request
that he be permitted to secure an Instructor in Economics, Busi-
ness and Sociology at $2200 effective August 1, 1939, as both
Instructors Robertson and Collins are leaving at the end of this
school year, the latter to pursue graduate work looking toward
the securing of the Ph. D. degree.
The Regents asked Dr. Hartman to confer with Dr. Inwood to see
if the work of his Department could not be handled without this
additional Instructor and to report at the May meeting.
Dr. Hartman recommended the approval of Director Doten's redis-
tribution of part-time salaries as outlined in his letter of
February 14th covering changes in payments to:
1. Mr. Gorman, Mrs. Metcalf and Miss Terry, but no change in
the $100 monthly total.
2. Dr. S. A. Lough, which reduces from $1200 to $750 the annual
amount being paid him from Station Funds, leaving $450 to be
assumed by the University.
3. Dean Robert Stewart from $1440 to $600, leaving $840 to be
assumed by the University.
4. Dr. J. E. Church, which increases from $1940 to $3900, his
Station salary, which Director Doten says "will put off for
a period of two (or perhaps three) years the question of an
emeritus salary" to Dr. Church.
These changes all to be effective July 1, 1939.
Judge Brown moved the adoption of the above recommendations.
Vote:
Mr. Williams Aye
Mr. Ross Aye
Mrs. Wardin Aye
Dr. Olmsted Aye
Judge Brown Aye
On motion of Mr. Williams, the Regents adopted the judgment of
Major Bassett "that the University is fully responsible" for the
$5 given by Julian Mapes to Sergeant Hustis for field boots,
which sum was not turned in to the Comptroller by Sergeant Hustis
and authorized the Comptroller to pay this amount to Mr. Mapes.
Mrs. Wardin moved that Dr. Hartman shall receive a salary of $550
per month as long as he remains Acting President, effective April
1, 1939. Vote:
Mr. Williams Aye
Mr. Ross Aye
Mrs. Wardin Aye
Dr. Olmsted Aye
Judge Brown Aye
Dr. Hartman recommended the re-election of Dr. Samuel D. Batdorf
as Assistant Professor of Physics for the University year 1939-
40 at $2100 for the year, effective August 1, 1939. Mr. Ross
moved the acceptance of the recommendation. Vote:
Mr. Williams Aye
Mr. Ross Aye
Mrs. Wardin Aye
Dr. Olmsted Aye
Judge Brown Aye
Recessed to 9 A.M. April 4th.
Reconvened at 9 A.M. April 4th, all members and Dr. Hartman being
present.
Mr. Ross called the meeting to order.
Dr. Hartman presented a portfolio of prints of Virginia City,
made from photographs of one of the Sutro heirs in San Francisco,
which had been gotten together by Director Fulton and mounted at
a cost of $50. Dr. Hartman recommended that the Board authorize
the Comptroller to reimburse Mr. Fulton for this expenditure.
Mr. Ross moved the adoption of the recommendation. Vote:
Mr. Williams Aye
Mr. Ross Aye
Mrs. Wardin Aye
Dr. Olmsted Aye
Judge Brown Aye
On motion of Mrs. Wardin, the President and Comptroller were
authorized to sign a WPA project for a total amount of $3900, of
which the University share of $657.94 is to be paid from the
Mackay Fund, the project to cover the strengthening of floor
joists and girders and some excavation under the Mackay School
of Mines building. In this connection the President is to cau-
tion Director Fulton that he is not to make any structural
changes in the building nor to enlarge his present tunnel under-
neath the building without proper authorization from the Admin-
istration. Vote:
Mr. Williams Aye
Mr. Ross Aye
Mrs. Wardin Aye
Dr. Olmsted Aye
Judge Brown Aye
Mrs. Wardin moved, and it was unanimously carried, that the at-
tempt to solve the friction and dissatisfaction in the History
Department be left to Dr. Hartman.
The Report of the Alumni Committee on the Athletic Situation at
the University was next gone into, section by section, discussed
and judgment noted. Judge Brown was delegated to draw up Reso-
lutions for the Board covering this report.
Recessed until 3 P.M.
Reconvened at 3 P.M., all members being present.
Judge Brown read the following set of Resolutions which he had
prepared:
WHEREAS, the Board of Regents had before it and carefully
considered the Report of the Committee of the Alumni Associ-
ation on the Athletic Situation at the University, appointed
by the President of the said Alumni Association at the re-
quest of this Board,
RESOLVED, that this Board accepts and adopts the findings of
said Committee that the written charge of incompetency filed
by members of the 1938 football squad against Coaches Doug
Dashiell and Duane Keller and against Athletic Director J. E.
Martie, is without foundation in fact and the finding, in
said report, that there was no justification for the action
taken by the members of said football squad in making said
charge of incompetency;
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the personnel of the Department of
Physical Education shall not participate in any manner di-
rectly or indirectly in any of the phases of major inter-
collegiate athletics, that all major intercollegiate ath-
letics be withdrawn from the control and direction of the
Administration Officers of the University of Nevada and
that the same be placed free and clear of all present
indebtedness for the University directly under the super-
vision and management of a Board of Athletic Control com-
posed of 5 members: 1 Alumni representative to be appointed
by the Executive Committee of the Alumni Association, the
President of the Student Body, a student member elected by
the Student Body from the active membership of the Block N
Society and 2 faculty members to be appointed from time to
time by the President of the University; that the final
authority over all phases of major intercollegiate athletics
be vested in said Board of Athletic Control, which shall
have full power to hire and contract for all Coaches, as
well as full power to remove and determine causes for removal
of all Coaches; that said Board of Athletic Control shall
have full power to approve all budgets for major intercol-
legiate sports and to approve the scheduling of all such
games, as well as the general duty of cooperating and ad-
vising with all Coaches and with a Graduate Manager who
shall be appointed by the said Board of Athletic Control;
that said Board of Athletic Control shall further determine
the general athletic policy concerning all major intercol-
legiate sports, provided the same shall not be in conflict
with the general policy of the University, and said Board
shall also have the specific duty of prohibiting the ex-
penditure of funds for any major intercollegiate sport in
excess of the amount allowed in the budget therefor. It is
further recommended that said Board of Athletic Control
meet regularly at least once each month or oftener upon the
call of the Chairman thereof.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that there be created a Director of Major
Intercollegiate Athletics, who shall be Head Football Coach
of the University of Nevada and that said Head Football
Coach, as Director of Athletics, shall supervise the entire
major intercollegiate athletic program at the University
and shall have under his control the Assistant Football Coach
or Coaches, and the Freshman Football Coach, the Trainer and
such other incidental student assistants as the Board of
Athletic Control may from time to time deem necessary. Said
Director of Intercollegiate Athletics shall have full con-
trol of the coaching policy and complete charge not only of
football but of all other major intercollegiate sports. He
shall recommend the Assistant Coach or Coaches and the Fresh-
man Coach for appointment by the Board of Athletic Control;
he shall arrange the schedule of all games subject to the
final approval of the Board of Athletic Control and he shall
make a seasonal budget for each such major intercollegiate
sport, likewise subject to the approval of the Board of
Athletic Control.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Regents recommend to said
Board of Athletic Control that they employ a Graduate Manager
whose duties in general shall be prescribed by said Board of
Athletic Control but who shall nevertheless have the follow-
ing specific duties, to-wit: the management of all business
and financial matters pertaining to major intercollegiate
athletics, the personal responsibility for all gate receipts
from major intercollegiate games, the making of a written
report to the Comptroller of the University after each game,
showing receipts and disbursements pertaining thereto; the
responsibility for all such athletic publicity; the responsi-
bility for all property and equipment of the University of
Nevada used for such athletic purposes; the institution and
supervision of a system of student control of such athletic
events by means of Student Managers for the various major
intercollegiate athletic activities; the giving of general
cooperation to the Board of Athletic Control and the coaching
staff for the purpose of assisting in the harmonious opera-
tion of the major intercollegiate program at the University.
This Board further recommends that said Graduate Manager act
as Secretary to the Board of Athletic Control for the pur-
pose of keeping all minutes of said Board, it being under-
stood that as Secretary of said Board of Athletic Control,
said Graduate Manager shall not be a member of the same and
shall have no vote therein. The Regents recognize the neces-
sity of having some one in charge of property of the Univer-
sity used in the conduct of major intercollegiate athletics
and are willing to pay a portion of the salary of the Gradu-
ate Manager provided that his appointment is approved by the
Board of Regents or the President of the University;
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Regents approves the rec-
ommendation of the said Committee that in so far as possible
the term of employment of Athletic Coaches be increased to
at least 3 years at the discretion of the Board of Athletic
Control, and, in this connection, this Board recommends that
said Board of Athletic Control in the employment of Coaches
give favorable consideration to the present members of the
coaching staff who, in the opinion of this Board, have been
subjected to unjust charges arising primarily out of the
present system under which major intercollegiate athletics
have been conducted at the University of Nevada;
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Regents does not take
from the Department of Physical Education the intramural
sports, believing that they are a part of Physical Educa-
tion and should be handled as such by the Department of
Physical Education.
Mr. Ross moved the adoption of the Resolutions as read by Judge
Brown. Vote:
Mr. Williams Aye
Mr. Ross Aye
Mrs. Wardin Aye
Dr. Olmsted Aye
Judge Brown Aye
On motion of Mr. Ross, it was unanimously decided not publicly
to define the term "major athletics".
Dr. Hartman recommended that Miss Geraldine Hardman be paid $20
from the general funds for secretarial services to the Alumni
Committee in the taking and transcribing of testimony in the
preparation of their report.
Judge Brown moved the adoption of this recommendation. Carried
unanimously.
On recommendation of Dr. Hartman, Judge Brown moved that the
President thank the Alumni Committee for their very careful work
in preparing their report, which is truly appreciated by the
Regents, and that a copy of the Resolutions adopted by the Re-
gents be sent to each member of the Committee. Unanimously
carried.
Mr. Ross moved the adoption of the following Resolution introduc-
ed by Judge Brown:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Regents does not offer or promise
any scholarships, jobs, tuition or other financial help to
athletes, as such.
Carried unanimously.
On recommendation of Dr. Hartman, the Board agreed that no action
should be taken earlier than the May meeting on the cases of
Dashiell and Coleman and that Mr. Martie should be put on strict
probation by Dr. Hartman.
The matter of deciding on the location of the new Gymnasium was
laid over until the May meeting.
It was decided that the new Engineering building be located some-
where east of the Orr Ditch and south of the Tennis Courts.
It was moved by Judge Brown, and carried unanimously, that an
honorary master's degree should be conferred on Comptroller
Gorman at the coming Commencement.
Adjourned with understanding that the next meeting of the Board
will be held on or about May 13th.
Silas E. Ross
Chairman
Carolyn M. Beckwith
Secretary