Considering the Past: Topics in M.C. History

The Archives in Carlyle Campbell Library hold all printed issues of the college’s bulletins, including the bulletin for the first academic year of 1899-1900, “The First Annual Announcement of the Baptist Female University of North Carolina.” At just 24 pages, this bulletin provided all the information that an incoming student was expected to need to know, including a list of the staff and faculty, expenses – as well as some rather grand language about the school’s history, mission, plans and goals. And of course, there were course description for classes offered in Latin, English, mathematics, history, psychology and physiology – which were required for a degree – as well in the electives: Greek, French, German, Spanish, biology, chemistry, biology, physics , pedagogy, logic and ethics. In addition, courses in business, art, music and elocution were offered as part of their own “schools.” What is missing is an absolute description of academic requirement to enter the university: at this point in time, public high schools were rare in North Carolina, and young women were often privately educated. As a result, matriculating students had to be examined in English, Latin,  mathematics and history and then classified: many were admitted into preparatory classes, anticipating future full admission into the college. 

The entire text of the first 1899-1900 catalog or "Annual Announcement" is reproduced below.