Health and hygiene

Presidents' Council Minutes: Improper Dress, Expulsion and Smoking

Date
January 31, 1962

 

During the Presidents' Council (Women's Interdormitory Council) meeting of January 31, 1962, the issue of "improper dress" was raised and it was mentioned that two girls had been forced to leave Dickinson (expelled) after being out of their dorm overnight without permission. In addition, it was decided that a change in smoking policies for women was not necessary: 

 

President's Council Minutes: Cut Classes, MP Late Permissions, Dress and Drugs

Date
November 15, 1961

During the Presidents' Council (Women's Interdormitory Council) meeting of November 15, 1961, the Council discussed a variety of topics including women excusing missed classes with illness and then going out, "late permissions" for women Mermaid Players working on productions, "appropriate" dress for campus functions, and prescription drug sharing:

"Sickness and Illness Excuses: Presidents' Council discussed the problem of girls receiving illness 
excuses from a house director to cut classes during the day and then going out that night. It was 

Annie E. Miles' Oration"The Badge of the American Red Cross"

Date
1897

In her oration "The Badge of the American Red Cross," Anne E. Miles analyzed the founding and purpose of the Red Cross in America. She primarily discussed Clara Barton's role in the founding and the way in which the Red Cross transformed American philanthropy from personal donations to a more collective and organized model of giving.

Kathleen Moore Gooding's Essay "The Mission of a Trained Nurse"

Date
1905

In her essay titled "The Mission of a Trained Nurse," Kathleen Moore Gooding described the importance and progression of nursing in the United States. According to Gooding, prior to the nursing profession, monks and uneducated people cared for the sick. This led to much pain, sickness, and even death. However, it was not until Florence Nightingale that women became nurses and the profession took off. In closing, she highlighted the work of the Red Cross as proof of the success of the nursing profession.

"Health" in Dean Meredith's Report "Women at Dickinson College"

Date
c1935

In her report "Women at Dickinson College," Dean Josaphine B. Meredith discusses women's health in a section entitled "Health." She explained that there had not been a single serious illness in years as she is sure to send any sick women home or to the doctor as soon as she saw symptoms. Moreover, Dean Meredith advocated for a Women's Hygiene Program at Dickinson College. She wrote that "The girls need a course in Hygiene to supplement their physical training. The Physical  Tr. teacher has plenty of time for it.

The Office of Student Services Initiated a Trial Program of Gynecological Referral

Date
March 11, 1976

In the middle of the spring 1976 semester, the Office of Student Services initiated a trial program of gynecological referal. The funding for the problem was limited so no services were provided by the school. The goal of this program was rather to find out what services women at Dickinson needed. They hoped to provide such car at the college in the future.

Metzger Women are not Using the Infirmary

Date
October 21, 1924

In a letter to Dean Meredith, President Morgan advised the Dean of Women to make sure that women who are ill are using the infirmary. It had recently come to his attention they were not and were putting others at risk.

Women and Health: "Healthcare in the 21st Century"

Date
March 4, 2006

Dr. M. Jocelyn Elders, former US Surgeon General, spoke about "Healthcare in the 21st Century" at The Central Pennsylvania Consortium's Annual Women's Studies Conference.  The conference was about Women in Health and took place Saturday, March 4, 2006 at Gettysburg College.  Dickinson College was invited to attend the event.

How to Make the Best of Time

Date
circa 1945

For female Dickinsonians, this article tries to help students manage their studies while involving themselves in an extra-curricular, as well as participating in the social side of campus life. Sunday, however, remains for church and relaxing.

For mental and physical comfort, it reads:

a. A minimum of 8 hours a day of concentrated work

b. A minimum of 1 hour a day of outdoor exercise

c. A minimuim of 1 hour a day or rest or reading

d. A minimum of 8 hours a night of sleep.