University of Virginia Library

Societies Decline

In the past few years, though,
the University has seen a general
decline in the dominance of the
political societies. Although the
Skull and Keys and Sceptre
Societies are far from extinct, they
cannot boast the absolute control
they once had. There is now a trend
toward consolidation of the two
societies that can be detected in the
decreasing number of candidates
each society has nominated.

For instance, the caucused nominated
a total of six candidates for
the five Student Council offices in
last spring's election, in contrast to
the normal number of ten. Skull
and Keys, however, won most of
the College offices.

The void created by the decline
of the caucuses has been filled by
the increase in numbers and success
of the independent parties. The
first of these was the University
Party, which came on the political
scene two years ago.