PROFICIENT.  The degree of Proficient is conferred in the University of Virginia, in a certificate of proficiency, on those who have studied only in certain branches taught in some of the schools connected with that institution.

PRO MERITIS.  Latin; literally, for his merits.  A phrase customarily used in American collegiate diplomas.

  Then, every crime atoned with ease,
  Pro meritis, received degrees.
    Trumbull’s Progress of Dullness, Part I.

PRO-PROCTOR.  In the English universities, an officer appointed to assist the proctors in that part of their duty only which relates to the discipline and behavior of those persons who are in statu pupillari.—­Cam. and Oxf.  Cals.

More familiarly, these officers are called pro’s.

They [the proctors] are assisted in their duties by four pro-proctors, each principal being allowed to nominate his two “pro’s.”—­Oxford Guide, 1847, p. xiii.

The pro’s have also a strip of velvet on each side of the gown-front, and wear bands.—­Ibid., p. xiii.

PRO-VICE-CHANCELLOR.  In the English universities a deputy appointed by the Vice-Chancellor, who exercises his power in case of his illness or necessary absence.

PROVOST. The President of a college.

Dr. Jay, on his arrival in England, found there Dr. Smith, Provost of the College in Philadelphia, soliciting aid for that institution.—­Hist.  Sketch of Columbia Coll., p. 36.

At Columbia College, in 1811, an officer was appointed, styled Provost, who, in absence of the President, was to supply his place, and who, “besides exercising the like general superintendence with the President,” was to conduct the classical studies of the Senior Class.  The office of Provost continued until 1816, when the Trustees determined that its powers and duties should devolve upon the President.—­Ibid., p. 81.

At Oxford, the chief officer of some of the colleges bears this title.  At Cambridge, it is appropriated solely to the President of King’s College.  “On the choice of a Provost,” says the author of a History of the University of Cambridge, 1753, “the Fellows are all shut into the ante-chapel, and out of which they are not permitted to stir on any account, nor none permitted to enter, till they have all agreed on their man; which agreement sometimes takes up several days; and, if I remember right, they were three days and nights confined in choosing the present Provost, and had their beds, close-stools, &c. with them, and their commons, &c. given them in at the windows.”—­Grad. ad Cantab., p. 85.

PRUDENTIAL COMMITTEE.  In Yale College, a committee to whom the discretionary concerns of the College are intrusted.  They order such repairs of the College buildings as are necessary, audit the accounts of the Treasurer and Steward, make the annual report of the state of the College, superintend the investment of the College funds, institute suits for the recovery and preservation of the College property, and perform various other duties which are enumerated in the laws of Yale College.