During the Presidents' Council (Women's Interdormitory Council) meeting of October 4, 1961 a variety of suggestions were put forth in regards to curfew and rules, particularly those within the rule book/advice guide given to women students-Dis 'N Data:
In her report "Women at Dickinson College," Josephine B. Meredith discussed coed organization at Dickinson College. She explained that there were seven such organization. They included:
Warren J. Gates, the Robert Coleman Professor Emeritus of History put together a Handbook for the Alpha Chapter of PA of Phi Beta Kappa. Included was this chart, showing the number of degree-seeking and class-attending male and female inductees over multiple decades. We can see that in many years, women rivaled men in earning this national honor.
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.
This pamphlet highlights the many rules governing Dickinson students regarding attendance, including special rules and penalties. Class could only be missed for chapel or medical necessities, either due to illness or prearranged for appointments. Demerits were received for skipped classes and being late, even for Physical Education classes. Every unexcused absense was worth 5 demerits, but that was doubled if it was the day before or following a holiday break.
A small pamphlet compiled by Dean Meredith, the Dean of Women, contains prayers and Biblical selections for: "My Neighborly Duty," "The Right Use of Time," "Loyalty," "Essential Beliefs," Profitable Troubles," "Self Discipline," "Prayer," "Enduring Happiness," and "Good Health as a Duty." Miss Margaret Eslinger kept this little book to remember her membership in the Young Women's Christian Association.
According to the 1958 student handbook, female students were expected to be "mature, poised, and self-reliant. They should show courtesy and consideration to others, and in all their relationships should be friendly, cultured, and forthright." The handbook further outlines instructions on dress (which should be "dignified" and "neat"), speech (which should be "calm and stright-forward, never evasive, boisterous or vulgar") and conduct.
Under the Fraternity Social Functions section under the 1957 student handbook, female students were allowed to attend evening dinners at fraternity houses under the following regulations:
Wheel and Chain is a local honor society established in 1924. Membership includes up to nine senior women that exhibit excellence in "scholarship, outstanding leadership and activities, and service to the college." According to the 1957 student handbook, the purpose of Wheel and Chain was to promote fellowship among senior women.
The list of "women's rules" included in the 1956-57 student handbook was modified from a list of nine rules to seven that freshman students were required to adhere to.