SOUTHERN HORIZONS 



the University of Florida certainly did not stand out in 

 the sunlight. Its new integration with tomorrow's needs 

 is all the more to the credit of President Tigert and 

 his vigorous Dean of Engineering. 



"Our aim," to quote Joe Weil, "is not more, but better, 

 engineers. We are making a definite attempt to prepare 

 the student professionally by giving him a well rounded 

 technical education, but not to neglect those other sub- 

 jects which tend to make him a better citizen with an 

 appreciation of the problems of the modern world." 



This protest against specialization is not a novel idea, 

 but again the attack at Gainesville is fresh. A new kind 

 of screening is practiced which Weil likens to the in- 

 spection and selection of raw material in the world of 

 manufacturing. 



Each incoming student is examined and interviewed. 

 Some are told frankly that it is unlikely they will bene- 

 fit from a college course and advised not to matriculate. 

 After two years of broad, background instruction and 

 close consultation with a faculty advisor, the students 

 are again sorted to head them into the fields where their 

 interests and aptitudes best equip them for success. This 

 two-years' seasoning period is made the opportunity for 

 a second screening. It marks the end of the general col- 

 legiate program, making a definite terminal point at 

 which it is recognized that some men would make a 

 mistake to attempt the stiffer, technical courses ahead. 

 Having completed the general course they are awarded 



290 



