Post Author: minksc
By the end of the 1970s the major debating concerning open dorm policy had ended and James Madison University had set hours for visitation. It is likely that both students and administrators were tired of deliberation about dorm visitation. The Breeze, student handbooks, letters of President Miller, and President Carrier’s speeches and letters all reflect the long saga that had plagued the school since boys arrived on campus.
The 1976-1977 school year marked the start of set visitation hours for every dorm at James Madison University. Hours that are still (somewhat) enforced present day at the university. Explanation of dorm rules and hours no required a separate chapter in the student handbook, now it only required one page of text and little additional descriptions.
Residence Hall Visitation was now 24 hours in public areas, visitors of the opposite sex had to vacate the premises at 12am Sunday through Thursday, and 2am Friday and Saturday. The enforcement of these hours falls to each dorm’s hall director and resident advisors. The degree to which these rules were enforced could have varied floor to floor depending on the RA. Like today, some will be more strict with the rules, while others are more apt to let minor offenses slide.
Carico, Joe, “Class Lecture,” History 337 Local History Workshop, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA, April 9, 2012.
Myers, Susanne, “Class Lecture,” History 337 History Workshop, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA, April 2, 2012.
Student Handbook 1970-75, “Dorm Regulations,” Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA.
Control #:Stge211. JMU Historic Photos Online, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA.