THE DEGREE WITH HONORS

Accounts of Harvard's commencement exercises once more record that the University has conferred the largest number of degrees in its history. The observation that 248 more diplomas were granted this year than in 1929 is less significant than the fact that over one-third of the Senior class were awarded degrees with distinction, a number proportionately the largest since the degree with honors was instituted.

This increase must be taken with a grain of salt. Fashion exerts its away in academic circles as in others, and as one department has awarded honors to a larger number of men, others have followed suit. Requirements for distinction are flexible. Nevertheless, the figures are actually indicative of a well-marked trend towards higher scholarship. More time is now given to academic work. Extra-curricular activities--managership competitions, publications, music clubs, debating societies, and athletics have noted a decline in the emphasis given to them in undergraduate life. The tutorial system, the divisional examinations giving a central theme to the individual curriculum, and the House Plan are all indicative of a trend which is manifested in the Graduate schools by plans for a Society of Fellows, and in at least one, by marked stiffening of the admission requirements. An elderly New York graduate, of the old school, has complained of President Lowell what has been complained of other educators, "Hang it all, the man's made an educational institution out of the place." As historical comment, the remark is several centuries belated; as witness to a movement which augurs well for American higher education, it is apt.