High academic standards for students and faculty were constant goals for Charles S. Miller, who believed that Slippery Rock State Teachers College should serve as the “lighthouse” for its service area, “furnishing service to its schools and teachers” and leading “in research and demonstration of modern methods and thought.” In 1937, important curricular changes were made in elementary and secondary education programs. This required students to take a basic liberal arts curriculum for the first two years. Miller expanded student activities and established a student life division. To assist first year freshman in adjusting to college life, the staff of the new division conducted weekly orientation and guidance sessions for the students.