Eastern Michigan University Archives
Associated Women Students records
04.AWS
Table of Contents
Summary Information
- Repository
- Eastern Michigan University Archives
- Title
- Associated Women Students records
- ID
- 04.AWS
- Date [inclusive]
- 1919-1975
- Extent
- 1.0 Linear feet 1 record center carton
- Language
- English
- Abstract
- The Associated Women Students (AWS) records were created by the AWS student organization at Eastern Michigan University. The organization sought to promote the interests of female students and the Intercollegiate Association of Women Students. The AWS records collection includes materials from approximately 1919 to 1975 that detail the goals and activities of the group, as well as their participation in national and state-wide conventions.
Preferred Citation note
Please cite materials from the University Archives in the following manner: Item. Collection Title. Eastern Michigan University Archives.
Administrative History
The founding of the Associated Women Students (AWS) is disputed. According to A History of Eastern Michigan University : 1849-1965, the Women's Self-Government Association was established at Michigan State Normal College in 1914, at a time when female students outnumbered males. In 1919, the Association was renamed the Women's League as a counterpart to the Men's Union, and was intended to better serve the needs of women, and all female students became members upon enrollment. However, the Eastern Michigan University Women's Association history maintains that in 1919 the Women's Association (then the Faculty Women's Club) proposed the Women's League to "promote a fuller social life for girls and to raise social standards." None of the AWS records pre-date 1919.
The League was divided into two boards: the Executive Board which handled the legislative, social, and service functions of the club, and the Advisory Board, which handled the judicial problems and regulations of female students. The League also collected, published, and distributed materials regarding etiquette. During this period, the League established the League of Women Voters on campus, the Campus Sisters group, which welcomed new students, and the Community Service Club.
In 1955-1956, the organization changed its name once more to the Association of Women Students. The Constitution stated the purpose of the organization as, "to cultivate a campus environment which will encourage women to govern themselves throughout their college careers...to promote fellowship and a spirit of unity among women students...to develop greater integration of women's organizations...to work cooperatively with faculty, students and other student organizations in University undertakings and to represent the women students in matters of general university interest...to create attitudes that will promote and maintain the highest standards of University life...to strengthen and broaden a sense of individual responsibility through participation in worthwhile projects and activities sponsored by AWS...and to promote the goals of the IAWS." Membership was composed of female students, though alumnae and female faculty members could achieve honorary membership. The AWS was affiliated with the Intercollegiate Association of Women Students, a national organization and sought to provide leadership opportunities for women students.
Scope and Contents
The Associated Women Students (AWS) records were created by the AWS student organization at Eastern Michigan University. The organization sought to promote the interests of female students and the Intercollegiate Association of Women Students. The AWS records collection includes materials from approximately 1919 to 1975 that detail the goals and activities of the group, as well as their participation in national and state-wide conventions.
The Associated Women Students records have been divided into two series: Administration and Communications and Events. The Administration series includes a sub-series of material from the Intercollegiate Association of Women Students, which contains records from both the national and state conventions. This series is also composed of materials from the operations of the Associated Women Students organization, such as a constitution, amendments, bylaws, correspondence, agendas, program summaries, handbooks, bound meeting minutes, and a certificate of establishment with accompanying surveys that formally recognize the change of the organization from "League of Women" to "Associated Women Students" in 1960.
The Communications and Events series includes clippings and pamphlets, as well as a collection of newsletters, which includes copies of "Women's World," "As we see it...in the Looking Glass," and "Feminine Focus."
Arrangement of Materials
The Associated Women Students records have been divided into two series: Administration and Communications and Events. The Administration series includes a sub-series of material from the Intercollegiate Association of Women Students, which contains records from both the national and state conventions. This series is also composed of materials from the operations of the Associated Women Students organization, such as a constitution, amendments, bylaws, correspondence, agendas, program summaries, handbooks, bound meeting minutes, and a certificate of establishment with accompanying surveys that formally recognize the change of the organization from "League of Women" to "Associated Women Students" in 1960.
The Communications and Events series includes clippings and pamphlets, as well as a collection of newsletters, which includes copies of "Women's World," "As we see it...in the Looking Glass," and "Feminine Focus."
Administrative Information
Publication Information
Eastern Michigan University Archives 2012 January 12
Halle Library, Room 310Ypsilanti, Michigan, 48197
734-487-0020
Revision Description
2012 April 1
Conditions Governing Access note
Researchers are asked to request materials 24 hours prior to visiting the the University Archives.
Related Materials
Related Archival Materials note
The Associated Women Students founded the Eastern Michigan University chapter of the League of Women Voters, whose collection is currently housed in the University Archives.
For more on the Women's Association (Faculty Women's Club), see their collection in the University Archives.
Controlled Access Headings
Corporate Name(s)
- Intercollegiate Association of Women Students.
Subject(s)
- Eastern Michigan University
- Feminism
- Michigan State Normal College
- Student movements.
- Students
- Women's studies
Collection Inventory
Administration 1919-1975Scope and ContentsAlthough this organization was founded in 1919, the earliest material in this box comes from the 1950's. Items include handbooks, manuals, clippings, and information from the national and state conventions. |
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Certificate of Establishment 1962
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Constitution, Bylaws, and Amendements 1964
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President McKenny's Address 1932
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Survey of Student Organizations 1961
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Correspondence 1955-1975
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Program Summary 1967-1969
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Agendas 1956-1957
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Songs
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Handbooks 1924-1971Scope and ContentsHandbooks from the years; 1960-1961,1963-1964, 1966-1967, 1967-1968, 1968-1969, 1970-1971 |
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1924-1960
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1960-1971
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Financial statements 1932-1940
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Meeting minutes 1919-1942 |
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1919-1930
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1925-1928
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1928-1932
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1932-1936
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1939-1941
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1939-1942
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Intercollegiate Association of Women Students 1952-1971 |
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National Convention 1971
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Michigan IAWS convention 1970
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Regional Convention report 1952
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Manuals 1953-1955
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Communications and Events 1931-1970 |
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Newsletters
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Clippings 1931-1969
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Pamphlets 1961-1970
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