"College Notes: At Mount Holyoke there are no such class distinctions as are found in some men's colleges, but there are certain privileges which the members of the lower classes voluntarily render to upperclassmen, as the right of way and the precedence. In addition to these courtesies the inalienable right of sitting on Williston steps belongs exclusively to the Seniors. In regard to pastimes, none but a Senior can jump a rope and none but a Junior can spin a top. As in other colleges so here the Juniors champion the Freshmen from the moment of their entrance with a protecting and advising interest. They start the Freshman class organization, the first meeting being called by the Junior president. At this meeting a chairman and secretary are elected who hold office until Christmas time. Then comes the regular class election. In return for the devotion of the Juniors the Freshmen always are the Juniors' loyal advocates and hearty admirers."
In the early days of Mount Holyoke, a high degree of respect toward upperclassmen was expected of the freshmen class. The class of 1905’s Freshman Handbook (above) is one example of these expectations. The booklets also included useful information about packing, streetcar schedules, clubs, and academics. For more, visit the Archives and Special Collections!
