Scholarship Lacking In Student’s Communication Skills

During the year, the faculty continued to voice disappointment regarding the writing skills of students in the College. To help resolve this problem, the faculty raised the English requirement upwards. The new standard required students to prove writing proficiency rather than one of presenting proof of passing grades in specified English subjects.

The 1957 activities report noted changes in physical facilities, curricula, and scholarships. Dean Lucas was pleased to report the opening of an office machines laboratory that would help advanced students to learn how to utilize such office equipment as dictating machines and mechanical calculators. He felt that the calculating machines would be especially helpful to students planning to enroll in graduate programs.

However, he reported that a service course in personal finance was not well received by the faculties of the other colleges which resulted in lower than anticipated enrollments. This course was be monitored to assess if there were ways to achieve additional registrations. Several changes in scholarships for business students were noted. The Associated Retailers increased the amount to $250 for each of twelve scholarships. There were six Arthur Brandeis Scholarships in the amount of $250 that were given exclusively to students in business administration. Two Louis Cavan Scholarships of $100 each were established by the Omaha Food Retailers' $100 scholarships were established for students in business administration. The Neboma Chapter of the National Secretaries Association established a scholarship of $100 for a junior or senior woman enrolled in the secretarial program of the college.

The 1957 report revealed a lack of student interest in the University's Honors Program. Business students most generally have jobs and would rather devote their energies to their regular studies and job responsibilities rather than spend the extra hours necessary doing the research required to undertake an honors course. However, students in the college were receptive to enrolling in courses beyond those offered in business administration. Enrollments occurred in such areas as economics, history, philosophy, political science, and speech. One change was noted in the Insurance program. The CLU (Chartered Life Underwriters) and CPCU (Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriters) courses were transferred to the College of Adult Education. These are non-credit programs better accommodated the policies of that college.

During 1958, a two-year program in General Business was instituted for students not seeking a degree but needing marketable job skills. Such a program would give students a sense of accomplishment since a certificate would be awarded those completing the program. Also during this academic year work, commenced on developing two advanced courses: one in marketing research for students who plan to enter graduate school following graduation, and a second semester course in statistics.