Wheaton Standards

While I was visiting my alma mater, I picked up a copy of the Record and there was a great story in it entitled, "The Evolution of Wheaton Standards" (by Paige Winfield). I know some (maybe several) Wheaties read this blog, so here are some bon mots for you:

Definition of "Dink": the required beanie purchased by freshmen at registration and worn whenever appearing in public until Thanksgiving. This rule was suspended on Friday evenings and Sundays and if the freshmen beat the sophomores in the Homecoming push-ball contest. Dink-wearing freshmen also had to bow down to all seniors.

The 1950 etiquette handbook outlined these expectations: "There aren't slack times in the dining hall as far as women wearing [slacks] are concerned. In the same vein, sweatshirts are not acceptable for men. ... Sunday, of course, means church-going attire all day." Thankfully, the 1969 student handbook did allow women to wear slacks to the dining hall...when the temperature dropped to 10 degrees.

The 1937 student handbook stated: "Students not known to be studying at the library and who are habitually absent from their rooms from 7:30 to 10 p.m. are reported on general priniciples, since such students are frequently headed for academic failure and elimination from school."

Also in 1937, students had a curfew of 10 p.m. M-Th, 11 on Friday, and 10:30 on Saturday. I guess nobody went out on Sunday. By 1949, women had to be in by 10, but men could stay out until 11:15. But if a man caused his date to return after curfew, it was tradition for him to present her with a long-stemmed red rose for each late minute.

In 1959, men had to sign out when leaving after 11:15 p.m., but women had to sign out and give their destination when leaving after 6 p.m. By 1969, women had to sign out when leaving after 10 p.m. or when leaving the town of Wheaton.

In 1860, students were forbidden to marry while enrolled, and opposite genders could not visit each other's rooms nor study together without the presence of family members.

The 1950 etiquette handbook gave this tip: "The protective male is usually on the ball unless he over does it. Just remember that she's fragile and absolutely unable to do anything for herself - including giving her order to the waiter - so if you keep the situation well in hand you'll be all right. And don't let her independent attitude fool you. Women love to be pampered."

Indeed.