University of Virginia Library

GENERAL REPORT OF THE STUDENT COUNCIL
TO THE
PRESIDENT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA

Steps Taken by Council

I. Student Committee

This committee is to function at all athletic and social events, and student gatherings of
every nature. These men are responsible to the Council for the maintenance of proper standards
of student conduct. Offenders are to be reported to the Council and given a hearing, and disciplinary
measures are to be imposed by the Council.

II. Publicity

a. Talks to fraternities

Realizing that the social fraternities are the largest organized group at the University,
the members of the Council met with each fraternity individually on 22 September 1948, explaining
the Council's assumption of responsibility for student conduct, and asking cooperation
and support. The various Council members endeavored to answer any questions pertaining
to this plan, and any others pertaining to Student Government at the University.
The Council expects to continue to make these talks to various other organizations in the
future.

b. Other Publicity

On September 16, 1948, the Student Council published in the Cavalier Daily an open letter
to the student body, explaining the disciplinary powers of the Council (see inclosure).
A similar letter was published on September 24, explaining the functions of the Student
Committee. As a supplement to this, a news item was also published on September 24,
explaining the Student Committee (see inclosure). In addition, on September 23, the
Council published a general review of its meeting of September 21 (see inclosure).

Steps Contemplated by Council

I. The Student Council will hold the Interfraternity Council strictly accountable for the observance
by the social fraternities of the University's rules governing conduct in fraternity
houses. In addition, the Council will hold other organizations responsible for conduct at
such social functions as these organizations may sponsor.

II. The Student Council during the coming year will undertake an intensive program of publicity,
with a view toward building up student support and sentiment in favor of the improvements of
standards of deportment.

Recommendations

The Student Council earnestly recommends two changes in University regulations:

a. Permitting women visitors in rooms on the Lawn and Ranges and in dormitory buildings
during certain hours. The Council feels that as there are practically no recreational
facilities provided by the University for the major part of the student body, there is a
real need for some place where students can entertain visitors. The Council believes
that if a suitable arrangement could be made, such regulations could be enforced by the
dormitory counselors.

b. The abolition of the rule requiring chaperones in fraternity houses. This recommendation
is not made because the Council feels that chaperones per se are objectionable, but principally
because of the practical difficulty in obtaining a sufficient number of chaperones.
There are 27 fraternity houses on the Grounds, at which chaperones are required two nights
a week. In a city the size of Charlottesville, it is extremely difficult - if not impossible
- to obtain 54 chaperones each week. As an alternative to this, the Council
recommends that the University devise some plan to furnish chaperones, or at least to
assist fraternities in procuring them.

Conclusion

The Council feels that it should state that it cannot accept responsibility for the apprehension
of students guilty of isolated instances of student misconduct off the Grounds of the University.
However, the Council wishes to make it clear that it will discipline any students brought before
this body for such incidents. Furthermore, the Council will endeavor to prevent such cases by
attempting to build up student sentiment against such misconduct.