Dear e or {( f I ~ ~ DEAR COED FRESHMEN WOMEN HANDBOOK · I' I I I I • • ~ ~~ Published by Association of Women Students Bloomsburg State College Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania 1972 - 1973 • • • • STAFF Editor-in-Chief Lisa Truehart Typing Editor Margie Unruh Faculty Advisor Miss Konscol Literary Carol Menig Kathy O'Boyle Sandy Schenck Nancy Shute ■ = •II ■ I I I I I I I I I s C. I WELCOME TO BSC! ! ! Here you are a freshman at college -- at last. You're a little apprehensive, a little afraid, and definitely excited. Orientation will help to rid you of many of your fears, because after it you won't be so completely lost in September when you return. College is very different from the life you've been accustomed to; it's a definite change. Everyone hopes that it will be for the better, but as the old saying goes, college is what you make it. Put a little effort into everything you do and you're sure to come out ahead. This is the time for growing up, a time for being on your own and a time to prove to yourself and your parents -3- I I I I I I I I. I I I I I I that you are capable of making your own decisions and living your own life. Sometimes it will be difficult , but always remember there are about 500 other freshmen women who are as nervous and scared as you. Dear Coed is another aid in the --attempt to help freshmen women adjust to campus life. Read this for some helpful hints from women who were freshmen just like you. Remember BSC is known as the "friendly little college on the hill" so smile and enjoy it! LIFE IN THE RESIDENCE HALLS OR "HOME SWEET HOME" Come September, Columbia, Montour, Schuykill, Northumberland or perhaps Luzerne Hall will be your new home. Living in a residence hall is a completely unique experience - one which you'll never go through again, Your room is your room! No one is going to tell you where to put your fur niture, when to clean and dust, and when to put away your clothes. So if you don't mind making tunnels in the dus t and climbing over piles of dirty c l othes ( and your roommate is agreeable) .•• ! The only time you'll be asked to tidy up is prior to vacations when you'll be asked to unplug all of your appliances, empty your trashcans, and close your drapes - all this is for fire safety. It takes a little time to get used to sharing a lounge and bathroom with 15-30 g~rls and a laundry room with some 225-400 others. Cooperati on is the -4- I I I I I I I I I I I I I I key and it's not very hard. It often leads to a lot of fun, Another distinct experience is visitation. It is up to each residence hall to select it's visitation hours. The maximum limits are: Wednesday 7:30 - 11:30 pm Friday 5:00 - 1:30 am Saturday 1:00 pm - 1:30 am Sunday 1:00 pm - 11:30 pm These are subject to change each year, and you will be notified of any new policies, You are required to sign in and out at the main desk when you have a male visitor in your room, and you must escort him through the halls at all times. It's always nice to check with your roommates too, before you bring a guy in. Remember, it is their room too! Each dorm is run by a dorm council. Each wing in the hall selects one girl from their wing to represent them at meetings. It is your representative's responsibility to carry your gripes and grievances before council, All in all, life in a residence hall is a lot of fun, There are lots of nice girls to meet and millions of things to do, Your room is yours, your hall is yours -- and, as always, it is up to you to make it what you want. M -5- • TELEPHONES Rumor has it that BSC wil l have about 1500 telephones added and working by September. Yes, a new phon2 system is being installed on campus! The college will have its own community area code with the Bell Telephone Company and each room will have a phone of its own, You'll be able to pick up the phone and dial to a friend on campus, off campus, or even back home. It will surely make telephone calls much easier and quicker than running down t he hall, waiting for the phone to be fr ee, and then slipping some "easy" mane" in and getting the operator. Instead the little black phone on your wal will operate just like the one back at home. Of course, with this advantage of having your own phone, comes the responsibility of paying the bills. Those long distance calls will still cost you something, needless t o say they will cost you a lot less since it is direct dialing. You will receive a bill from the phone company each month. I guess there has to be a catch to anything that is good, still you'll be getting a lot more for your money this way. -6- • • • •• I It"' t/ ~,,~ \) ,~1 ~ITU ~W1 ~ Ir ; 11 ~r.::::::::.::::t,/- - - - - : - - - ~\ , \ c:;}) ROOMMATES One of the most challanging aspects of college life is developing a good relationship with your roommate. Roommates come in all different shapes, sizes, temperaments, and personalities. Learning to adjust to each other's habits and differences is the basis of a good relationship. To some girls this comes easily, others find it very difficult, especially if they've never had to share a room with anyone before. With patience and cooperation, however, everything should work out alright. Remembering to be considerate in little things can be a big help. Don't make a lot of noise if your roommate is sleeping, If she has a big test the next day and is studying in the room, don't turn the stereo on or invite a - lot of friends in. Common sense is the key! Your roommate and you can have a lot of fun together. Write to each other during the summer, when the - 7- • • • • • • admissions office sends you he r address and find out a little about each other's backgrounds. Also, th i s is a good time to discuss color comb i nations for your room and to decide if you want to buy your bedspreads, r ugs, etc. separately during the s ummer or wait and get them downtown at the beginning of the year. If you both agree, it can be a lot of fun to wait and go shopping for these things toge t her. You will feel that your room ba longs to the two of you, not each owning half of it. Something else to discuss in your letters is who i s bringing wha t . It is a good ide a t o bring one of the larger items and share them. ~or example, two stereos are just ·1o t practical. Your space will be rather limited so decide what you eac h are bringing before you come. Due to overcrowded condi tions in the dorms, some freshmen may be tripled. With three in a room even more cooperation and consideration is needed. The room may seem very small and crowded at times. You will be sharing two closets among the three of you. You will have to decide who sleeps in the bunk and on the single bed, and who gets the extra desk that is moved into the room to accommodate your tripled room, Sharing is even more i mportant in this situation. Carefully plan what you want to bring so that you will have enough room for it and try to bring your wardrobe on a seasonal basis; Being tripled can have advantages too. The three of you might become very close and often it is easier to adjust when you have two other people to help you. You will -8 - I I • • I probably find some things that you have in common with each of your roommates, and meeting their friends can mean even more friends for you. Whether you have one roommate or two, just remember your relationship is what you decide to make it! R.A. Is You will meet many people at BSC, but probably one of the most important will be your Resident Advisor (R.A.). Every wing of all the women's resident halls has an R.A. The R.A. is a student also and has been through all the problems that a freshmen will encounter. She will be very helpful to you during your first days of adjustment • Your R.A. will meet you when you arrive and give you some instructions you may need. If you have any questions or need help, go to your R.A.; she's there to help you in any way she can. Your R.A. is close to your own age and you will find that she is easy to talk to and a sympathetic listener. Your R.A. is a friend, advisor and confidante. Go to her if you have any questions or troubles; she is there to help. -9- • • SHHH! I'm Studying!! There comes a time in eve ry college career when studying becomes a necessity. So each day there are several hours which are designated as "quiet hours". During this time, all noise s hould be kept at a minimum in the ha lls, the BR's, lounges, and the ro oms. The hours are: 2pm - 4pm Sun. - Fri. 7:30 - 10:30pm Sun. - Thurs. 11pm - 9am Mon - Fri. 11pm - 10am Sa t . - Sun. Remembe r t o keep your st e reos low; save your arguments fo r un "quiet" hour and be considerate of othe rs. If someone is disturbing you, don 't hesitate to politely tell them to keep it down. But don't be insul t ..:d if s ome day you are asked to do the s ame -sometimes you can get louder t han you realize • Finals week will bring extended quiet hours. Beginning the week-end before exams , quiet hours wil l last 23 hours a day. From 10pm - 11pm, is your noisy time! You and your "hall mates" will probably really let loose at 10. But at 11, it's back to books or to bed! Quiet hours are really i mportant, so please be considerate. Remember, the grade you save j ust may be your own! -10- I I I II I ~ I I '/' ~M [\_ BIG SISTERS All kinds of questions will probably be running through your mind just before you come to college and for the first couple of weeks after you arrive. Don't panic! There is one person who has selected you to help with the twists and turns of adjustment to college life. This person is your big sister, During the sunnner your big sister will write to you, asking you to write back with any questions you have. Also she will want you to write a little about yourself. This is a good way to start to get to know each other. Answer her letter. She can only help you if you are willing to let her. At the beginning of the year she will probably stop by to see you, This is a good time to ask her questions about the courses you have elected for the semester, the curriculum you have chosen, or anything that is bothering you. -11- II II II Early in the year a big and little sister tea is held. Your big sister will ask you to go with her_. This i s a great opportunity to meet other girl s -your own age as well as older. Unfortunately not enough girls always sign up to be big siste rs . This could result in some girls not having one. If this should happen to you talk to your Resident Advisor a bout it. She may know someone who would be glad to be your big sister, or you may find a friend whose big si s ter would not mind being yours too . Having an upperclassman to talk to and confide in can be a fan t astic experience. She has already gone through much that you will exp e rience, and can give you some p ~inters that will make your life at co l lege even more pleasant. Take advantage of the oµportunity to build a good re l ationship! •II II II I • E\we\l ~ 9 ,, \A I ~b'o/ ,.,,.,.,, ~ 1-- (_ B \.... - -\,)o I .... o.J ~ ~ ~ ~ J) C) T\..\-E. -12 - C..o m~OV')S I • • • • SCRANTON COMMONS The William Scranton Commons is a place to go and eat ~ith your friends, and sometimes meet and make new ones. The Commons, as it is popularly known, is airconditioned, it contains four dining halls and two lounges for your comfort and convenience. The Connnons serves three meals a day during the week, but on weekends only brunch and supper are served. The food is prepared tiy the Slater Food Service. Many banquets and teas are held in the commons by various campus organizations. Special meals are also served before holidays and during finals week, a coffee and doughnut break is held at a later hour. The Commons' dress code is casual wear but no one is permitted in without shoes or shirts. Meals are served long enough to give each student time to eat when his schedule allows. The Scranton Commons provides a healthy and relaxing atmosphere, and is a center of student activity on campus. -13- • • • • • •I ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN STUDENTS Among the other opportunities awaiting the Bloomsburg Coed, is the chance to belogg to the Association of Women Students (AWS) on campus. Every woman enrolled at BSC, both residents and commuters, are automatically included in this organization. The purpose of AWS is to represent the women's viewpoint on issues concerning college life and acting as a grapevine though which coeds can learn what's going on in the college community. Individual residence halls are represented oy a President, Vice-President, Secre ~aryTreasurer, and Social Chairman who attend the AWS meetings and convey the i nformation received to Hall Council mee tings in their respective residence hatls. At the se Hall Council meetings, a.a.e n floor has a corridor representative wh ose job is to turn it over to the reside . ,cs at a corridor meeting. As freshman women, you will have the opportunity to run for offices to be held in your residence hall. The officers of the Executive Board for the coming 1972-1973 year are: President •••.•••.•• Sharon Guida Vice-President ••••. Debbie Langol Secretary ••••••.••• Veronica Ciaruffoli Treasurer .•...•..•• Patsy Williams Social Chairman •••• Paula WLlton The Association of Women Students sponsers activities such as Big and Little Sister Teas, Halloween parties, and Chr i stmas parties to promote active participation among the women in their organization. -14- COLLEGE SERVICES For the coed who needs a little assistance in the category of first aid or in a personal problem or maybe just a few pencils, there are various places on campus designed just for such a damsel in distress, Do you need a safe place to keep your book money? Need a check cashed in a hurry? The place for you is the Student Bank, located in the Waller Hall end of the tunnel to the Student Union Building. The hours are 10:30 a.m. to noon and 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p,m. Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday and from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday. While on the subject of money, check out the Financial Aid Office, next to the Alumni Room in Waller Hall. Here you can get any infonnation you need concerning scholarships, loans, and jobs. If you are interested in working in the Commons or the Library, they will tell you what to do about that too--any time between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9:00 a,m. to noon on Saturday. Any problems concerning grades, classes schedules, or even personal hassles can be taken care of in the Counseling Center. It is located in Waller Hall, and it is open 8:30 to 12:00 noon and 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and also deals with the results of various tests that you will take during orientation. Directly across the hall you may see written ori the door "Come in and talk." This is the campus ministry, where you can go in and talk about anything that happens to be troubling your mind or your heart. There is usually someone there every week day from 11:00 a,m. until 3:00 p.m. They -15- are all really great guys who understand, so don't be shy about going to see them. They can really help sometimes. Indigestion from eating too much? Sprain an ankle on the sidewalks of Bloomsburg? You might get some he lp at the Infirmary in Waller Hall. If it happens to be closed just when you choose to burn you hand, go to see one of the Assistant Deans (this is what the locked door will say, so you can save yourself the trip.) Located toward the upper portion of the campus with the classroom buildings is the library, named f or Harvey A. Andruss . Skilled librarians are there to answer any qu~stions you may have as long as it is open. Another place you can get books is, logically, the college bookstore, back in Waller Hall, but its cont ents are not limited to books alone. Jere you can buy stationery, sweatshir t s, greeting cards, posters, pantyhos e , candy, records, health aids, and j ust about any kind of typical school supply you need, Bookstore hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday and 8:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday. So, if you are ever in need of any of the~e services, these are the places to go. Willing, if not able, to serve you! -16- ~ • ~ = BOOKS! BOOKS! BOOKS! Book buying will be a completely new experience. After you get your schedule, at registration, you can check the book list outside of the bookstore in Waller. To avoid buying the wrong book, the thing to do is wait until the prof tells you what texts you will need, sometimes the book list has the wrong books listed. All books may be purchased new at the bookstore. Don't worry if they run out, they can reorder and they frequently do run out of books in great demand used for the first time at BSC. Many students prefer to buy texts in their major new. If you would like to save money, you can rent or purchase books second-hand from upperclassmen . Before purchasing a second-hand book though, make sure it's the right edition ! Lists of second-hand books can be found on any of the bulletin boards in the dorms or on the bulletin boards in Waller Hall. Many upperclassmen also post a list of books to rent or sell outside their door. Second-hand texts can also be obtained at the book exchange, which is run by one of the campus organizations. Students with books t o sell, pay a dime and leave the selling up to the organization, then the student receives whatever profit is made. If you have any trouble, your big sister, R.A., or any upperclassman will be glad to be of assistance. You will be given plenty of time to get you books. Although book buying is new and frightening -- don't panic, it can be fun. -17- --=-----.:::-- lu~,~ol, • (,r----- -\ \_ __ }~\\~~ ,_.- 1 -- '-f ,- --, 1u01u,n _sf: I •L~j (V'\d.N i / (] '..;;;:'. ----- I '---- \ ~ gv- , \o \ \ n tJ \AO \t'OJ ~'>\ \J \W '\)\j M'dN WHAT TO WEAR! One of the questions that may enter your mind now is "What do I wear?" The answer is simple . Clean, ne a t, appropriate clothing -- it's acc eptable at all times. For classes and dining, casual, everyday clothes are the rule. For social events the student body s p lits down the middle; half dress up and the other half wear the same casual clothes that they wear to class, either way is acceptable . In short, the way you dress for e ach occasion is entire ly to your taste. Howeve r, the re are one or two gene ral rul e s . Gym shorts are not allpwe d in the dining halls . You may we ar your gym blous e with j e ans, but -20- not the shorts. Since closet space is limited, it is better to bring along a seasonal wardrobe. I would like to mention, though, that a raincoat and umbrella are essentials and should not be forgotten when planning your wardrobe. For church, it is up to the individual pastor to establish dress policy for his church. In any case, extremely dressy clothes are not a necessity, although you might like to have some here in case. Shoes must be worn in all public places. ACTIVITIES AT BSC It won't take long for you, as a freshman, to find that education takes place not only in the classroom, but in all areas of student involvement as well. You will be able to put your leisure time to good use through the many social and cultural events and other extra-curricular activities offered at BSC, which cover a wide range of interests. Sports anyone? For you we have the Women ' s Athletic Association (the "B" Club) and th e Women's Re creation Association, which have developed an ext e nsive extramural and intramural program , Extramural sports include hockey and baske tball, while intramural activiti e s such as powder puff football, volleyball, baske tball, and softball fill the rest of the year, A Water Balle t is presente d in the e arly spring , Also, t he indoor -21- pool and gym are there to be used at your convenience. For those of you who are interested in politics, we have the Community Government Association, the Association of Women Students, and the offi~es of various organizations. A few of those organizations that you will havP. the opportunity to join are the Bloomsburg Players, the Literary and Film Society, the Sociology Club, the Biology Club, and the French Club. If you're musically inclined, we have the Studio Band, the Women's Chorale Ensemble, the Maroon and Gold Band, and the Concert Choir. There is also an opportuni t y for involvement in any one of BSC's publications. The Maroon and Gold is our bi-weekly newspaper, the Obiter is the college yearbook, and the stude1 t literary magazine is the Olympian. ~he Pilot is published annually by and f o~ the student body and contains answe r s to questions that confront college students. The Today sheet is published dai ly and keeps students informed of campus and community activities on a day-by-day basis. Coffee, tea, or coke anyone? If the answer is yes, the snack bar, located in the Student Union, is the best place to find it. You can drop in for a quick snack, a game of cards, or just to talk to friends. It's really a great place to relax and meet people. There are usually events sponsored by each class and a weekly movie and/or dance for Friday and Saturday night activities. Each coed should plan to take an active part in the social life at BSC. Along with all the clubs, there are the men's athletic events to support. As you may know, Bloomsburg takes great pride in the wrestling squads they present. Besides -22- this, there are weekly football, basketball, and swimming events. In the spring there are tennis matches, track meets, golf matches and baseball games. Our BSC guys need your support and encouragement. The wide variety of activities are there for YOU to become involved in and enjoy. Be as active as you can in your Freshman year, so that you can really become involved at BSC. You'll only get out of your college life what you put into it, and it can be rewarding if you'll try. SORORITIES In the last five years at BSC, there has been a new innovation in the introduction of sororities. The social sororities and the one service sorority were founded to promote friendship and understanding among not only the sisters, but the independent women as well. You, as a freshmen, cannot pledge a sorority during your first semester; but during your second semester all sororities will accept freshmen, with a 2.2 rating to rush. The social sororities at Bloomsburg are Chi Sigma Rho, Delta Epsilon Beta, Tau Sigma Pi, Sigma Sigma Sigma, and Theta Tau Omega. Our service sorority is Lambda Alpha Mu. Each sorority has its own standards and ideals. Most of the sororities work with a cooperation fraternity to organize several social events each year. The sisters of Lamda Alpha Mu, Bloomsbu~g•s servic e sorority, are dedicated to assembling college women - 23- in the spirit of service to humanity. The Inter-Sorority Council is the governing body for the Greek Women. It was organized in October, 1967, and consists of three members from each of the social sororities. The objecti ves of the ISC are to coordinate the activities of the member sororities, promote scholarship among sorority women, and encourage friendship among both Greek and independent women. -24- ANNUAL SOCIAL EVENTS Big and Little Sister Tea - This is an informal gathering that will help you to get to know the Deans, Resident Advisors, and other prominent people on campus. It will be held in early September, and each Freshman is escorted by her Big Sister. Homecoming - This is a special weekend in October which features Big Name Entertainment on Friday night, a parade and football game on Saturday, and an informal dance that evening. There is usually an "Open House" for all students, dates, and parents on Saturday or Sunday. Christmas Party - This party, sponsored by the women students, is held in the Student Union about a week before Christmas vacation, Entertainment is provided and refreshments are served. Greek Week - This is a special week sponsored by the Inter-Sorority and Inter-Fraternity Councils, in which all the members of the campus fraternities and sororities compete in games and races, done in honor of ancient Olympic games. Although only the "Greeks" may participate in these games, all are invited to attend, Winter Weekend - Winter sports, such as skiing, and ski-dooing are part - 25- of the activities planned for this weekend, Big Name Entertainment is also featured that weekend. Spring Weekend - Big Name Entertainment is the featured event of this weekend, Our social fraternit i es and sororities also sponsor fun-filled activities at this time. JARGON As you become familiar with life at Bloomsburg, you will find that the academic world of BSC has its own vernacular. These words and phrases will easily become part of your vocabulary as you become an integral part of the college and student life. We have prepared the following list of jargon most frequently used to give you a head start. Academic Probation - Probation because of an average lower than 2,0 (based on a 4.0 system). Ace a test - to get an "A". Berrigan's - Hoagie shop downtown. Bluebooks - Test booklets which are often requested be profs to use for taking exams. They can be purchased in the bookstore. Bookstore - The college store where you c-a.n buy textbooks and other school ~supplies, It's located in Walle r Hall. Charlie's - Pizza shop downtown. -26- Commons - Dining hall. Corridor Meeting - Floor meetings in the women's residence halls. Cut - Absence from class. Digest - Summary of residence hall rules. Finals week - Last week of the semester when classes are cancelled and finals are given, The (Kampus) Nook - The restaurant located opposite the Student Unions. Long Porch - A large porch on Waller Hall which faces Elwell residence hall. M & G - Maroon and Gold; the college newspaper. Obiter - The college yearbook. Olympian - Student literary magazine. Pilot - College handbook. R.A. - Resident Advisor. Rake - To get an "E" or failure. Pappas - Pizza shop downtown. Roomed - Confined to your room for infraction of rules. Tunnel - The underground passageway from Waller to the Student Union. Union - Temporarily located in the old College Commons; facilities include a snack bar, billiard area, ping pong tables, games and card playing area, information desk with papers and magazines, TV lounge, Student Union Board office, and Office of Director of Student Activiti e s . -27- CHECK LIST Here we have included a l i st of suggested items that have been helpful to others in the past. It is a good idea to wait until your r oonnnate arrives to buy bedspreads, rugs, curtains, etc., so that you will agree on cost and color of the items. All underlined items are required and all stared items are highly reconnnended. Many supplies can be bought at the college store. Address book Alarm clock Ashtray Bedroom slippers or shower shoe s Blankets Bucket (plastic) Camera Can opener Desk lamp (or pole lamp - 8') Dictionary (Webster's New Collegiate) Dish detergent Drying rack Drinking glass (or paper cups) Dust cloths Eating utensils First Aid Kit">', Hair dryer Hangers Iron* Iron rest (asbestor or metal) Laundry bag* Laundry detergent Masking tape and plastic tac* Mattress pad (32" x 72") Note pad for door Paper clips, scotch tape, rubb e r bands, ruler, etc . Pen and pencil container Phonograph and records -28- J Pillow Cover (plastic or cloth 21" x 27") Playing cards Pot to heat water or cook food (with lid) Posters Rainwear and umbrella,'( Scissors Sewing Kit Shower cap'"' Spray starch Stapler & staples Stationary and stamps Standing hand mirror Swim wear (bathing cap) Typewriter Towels and wahs cloths Wastebasket (metal) - 29- ~ GENERAL INFORMATION 1. Record the number of your typewriter, camera, and radio for reference in case of loss. 2. Check all electrical c ords they must be in good condition. 3. Mark all personal articles with name tapes or with your name written in indelible ink. This includes such articles as unbrellas, towels, book s, etc. 4. Heavy baggage may be s ent by express, plainly label e d, with your name, residence hall, room number, Bloomsburg Sta t e College, Bloomsburg, PA 17815 . Allow a week for delivery. Since there is limited storage in t he residence halls, all trunks and l arge luggage will have to be returned to your home. 5. Plan to deposit large sums of money at the College Bank. Never keep large sums of money in your room or on your person. 6. Bring enough money (about $60) to take care of books, supplies, etc. 7. Always carry I.D. card and meal ticket in your wallet. Be sure to put your name on all cards of importance . 8. Get to know your roommate, Big Sister, and Resident Advisor through letters this summer and help them get to know_you. -30-