Social codes/rules

“A Pocketful of Rules”, one of the various pamphlets published by the
Women’s Interdormitory Council in conjunction with the Dean of Women,
dictated the rules, regulations, and “proper behavior” that all women
attending Dickinson College were required to adhere to. First published
in 1964, “A Pocketful of Rules,” specifically outlined procedures and
rules of behavior that women were expected to follow in their dormitory
life and translate into their social life. It was particularly created
to target first year women and guide their adolescent behavior into

Added to the 1967 version of the "A Pocketful of Rules" guidebook are
the regulations on junior key privilege. The junior key privilege
allows junior women to sign out a key after dormitory closing hour on Friday or Saturday nights. Juniors may sign out keys on a first come-first serve basis and must
return by 3am. Other women in the dormitory (roommate or hallmate) must
check to see that the junior has returned by 3am. Violations of the 3am curfew made by the junior result in demerits and are reported to the dormitory president.

Added to the 1965 "A Pocketful of Rules" guidebook is the proper dress attire for Dickinson's dining hall. Women were required to wear "hose and heels" as well as "skirts and blouses." Men were required to wear slacks, dress shirt, tie, and coat.

In the general information section of the "A Pocketful of Rules" guidebook are rules on sunbathing, evening walks, and laundry for women. Female students were allowed to sunbathe but only in designated areas, determined by House Council representatives. Female students were "strongly urged" not to take evening walks after dark unaccompanied and laundromats were available to all female students.

The Women's Interdormitory Council mandated all female students to follow an "honor code." The honor code regulated dormitory life and states that students are responsible for reporting themselves and any other woman in violation of dormitory policies. Demerits and loss of special privileges, (such as overnight guests and weekend privileges) served as penalties for infractions of dormitory rules. The Women's Interdormitory Council determined other penalties, not listed in the guidebook, they deemed appropriate based on occurrence of infractions, severity, and consistency of infraction.

After reading "A Pocketful of Rules" pamphlet, freshman female students were required to sign an "honor code" statement. By signing the honor code statement, female students acknowledged that they understood the rules and regulations concerning dormitory life and promised to uphold the "integrity of the dormitory community." This statement was included in "A Pocketful of Rules" pamphlet given at the start of each academic year.

The constitution of the Women's Interdormitory Council outlines rules and regulations for elections, membership, officers, meetings, amendment process, and details the duties of officers as well of the organization.

“A Pocketful of Rules”, one of the various pamphlets published by the Women’s Interdormitory Council in conjunction with the Dean of Women, dictated the rules, regulations, and “proper behavior” that all women attending Dickinson College were required to adhere to. First published in 1964, “A Pocketful of Rules,” specifically outlined procedures and rules of behavior that women were expected to follow in their dormitory life and translate into their social life. It was particularly created to target first year women and guide their adolescent behavior into proper, mature female behavior.