Post Author: minksc
The layout and content of the Student Handbook for Madison College, and later James Madison University, changed greatly during the 1970s. There are obvious year to year alterations made to the Student Handbook, so that Madison College could keep up with the times. In the 1969-1970 Student Handbook there is a notable discrepancy in the volume of rules and penalties between men and women students. The standards and the punishments for are listed separately according to sex.
Three different organizations were responsible for enforcing the regulations of Madison College, and implementing punishment when necessary. The House Council regulated dorm behavior, Student Government Association (SGS) dealt with social behavior both on and off campus, and the administration handled serious offenses. The House Council and SGA often worked with one another as their sectors of regulations often overlapped.
Madison College Student Handbook 1969-1970
Penalties applying to Women Students Only
Dorm Restriction- This punishment was issued after three call downs had been given in a 7-10 day timespan. The length of the dorm restriction was decided by either the House Council, or the Student Government Association (SGA) if a case was complicated. Call downs were given if students regularly returned 10-15 minutes after curfew, if a student failed to properly sign in or out of her dormitory, or failure to comply with other dormitory regulations. Under dorm restriction a student is required to give up all non-curricular activities, with the exception of meals, traveling to the post office, and attending church. The activities listed as restricted include but are not limited to:
- Visiting other dorms.
- Attending the social gatherings of clubs or student organizations.
- Tanning on the quad.
- Attending campus movie nights.
- Attending Campus Sporting Events
- Attending a dance on campus.
- Dating either on or off campus.
Weekend Dorm Restriction- Weekend dorm restriction had the same limits as “Dorm Restriction” but it only applied on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. This punishment was used when female students broke dating rules or as discipline for other infractions considered appropriate by the Judicial Council to warrant this penalty.
Off-Campus Weekend Limitations- Curtailed the number of weekends students could leave campus with the exception of holidays. A student’s travel home or attend social functions at another institution would be cut if for these reasons:
- The student returned late one or more week-end trips.
- The student behaved improperly at an off campus function.
- Any other reason deemed appropriate by the Judicial Council.
Penalties Applying to Both Men and Women Students
Dating Restrictions- Could be placed on either male or female students for violating dating rules, dating restriction did not restrict the other social abilities of the student.
Drinking Probation- Students could be placed on drinking probation if incurring a minor alcohol violation.
Social Probation- This was enacted should a student regularly break rules regarding social conduct either on or off campus. A students social activities were limited for the amount of time deemed appropriate by the Judicial Council.
Suspension and Expulsion- Reserved for those who participated in major violations against Madison College or another person.
1973 and Beyond
The segregation of rules and penalties in the Madison College Student Handbook remains unchanged until the 1972-1973 handbook, when regulations for both male and female students are listed together. With a decrease in the number and rigor of the rules, the punishment for breaking these rules was also less harsh, with the exception of serious offenses punishable by suspension or expulsion. The new penalties applied to all students.
Fines- Students could be made to pay a fine no less than $3.00 and no more than $50.00 for violating minor regulations. The money collected would be used to fund emergency loans for students in need. Minor violations included:
- Unauthorized alcohol
- Unregistered or improperly stored bicycles
- Littering
- Candles
- Pets
- Violation of dormitory regulations
- Violation of quiet hours
Madison College Student Handbook 1969-1970, “Penalties,” 60-61, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA.
The Living and Learning Environment A Statement of Student Policies, Student Handbook 1974-1975, “Jurisdiction Section IV,” 34-35, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA.
Featured Image- Taken from The Bluestone 1971, 148, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA.