A stir was caused by David Starr Jordan, President of the Leland Stanford in California, who visited New Zealand in 1907. At the request of the chancellor, he brought forward some suggestions for improvement. He criticised the courses of study, the administration of the colleges, the status of teachers, and the examining system. As to courses, he recommended the American majoring system—at this time the requirements for the B.A. degree were nine terms of study and passes in six subjects. As to other matters: the chairman of the professorial board ought to have greater powers in all academic concerns; the professor should have initiative in his own department and his examination should be final; further, each professor should certify the work of each of his students and the Professorial Board should then finally certify to the University of New Zealand those recommended for degrees. Jordan also had something positive to say on a subject that, to this day, remains under constant discussion: “degrees should not be granted for extramural study”. The Chancellor was impressed, at least for the time being. Senate was not, or not to effect, and was very willing to accept the advice of its vice-chancellor, Sir Charles Bowen, “to walk warily”, and of its chancellor — to avoid disposing of issues in an impulsive manner.