A change of some importance has within the year been put in effect at the University of Michigan: "While retaining in part the old 'credit system,' which is very similar to those in other colleges, the authorities in addition have drawn a line at the end of the second or sophomore year in the entire department of literature, science and the arts, between the secondary education and the higher, or genuine university education. This plan was adopted by the regents in May, 1882.

"A further departure is the opening in the university of a so-called 'university system,' in which students who have completed the first two years' work may proceed to graduation. Under this system the student devotes his time to a limited number of favorite studies under the direction of a committee of the faculty, and after two years submits himself to a thorough examination, which, if passed, entitles him to a bachelor's degree; if very proficient, and upon presenting a meritorious thesis, the candidate attains at once the master's degree.

"The expectation is that those pursuing this course will make large attainments in a few studies rather than a limited amount in many studies. Much, not many things, is the principle. The 'university system,' it may be observed, is a natural outgrowth of the general principle of drawing the line between the secondary and superior education at the end of the second or sophomore year. There is made no distinction of classes, but each student is credited in the catalogue with the number of courses he has completed. About thirty thus far have chosen the 'university system.'"