News Editors Ira Buch ’25 and Katharine Ellis ’26 take us back to the fall of 1974. With guidance from Ms. Rosemary Davis, archivist and records manager, the editors explored past issues of The Record, Hotchkiss Magazine, Michianzas, and photos in the archives.

The Evolution of Stu-Fac:

Fifty years ago, following community disengagement with Student Faculty Senate and frustration with its inability to suggest changes that met with the approval of Head of School Mr. Bill Olsen, the format of student government meetings was changed.

In line with a proposal by Michael Davis ’70, all-student meetings were replaced by meetings that brought together students and faculty.

Comprised of around 20 students and faculty, Stu-Fac began its sixth year on campus in the fall of 1974. The group was led by Reverend George E. Conway, school chaplain, and met weekly in the Warner Room to discuss academics, athletics, and social life at the school.

In the fall of ’74, many proposals were passed by the Senate that are still part of the school today.

In Volume 80, Number 4 of The Record, published on October 30, 1974, Dick Pershan ’75 said, “The Student-Faculty Senate has once again completed a hectic week: voting on five pieces of legislation and passing four,” including resolutions to reduce school appointments by 25%; extend common room visiting hours to decrease socialization in the library; institute a one-day reading period before exam periods; and bring disciplinary action against anyone who tampered with a fire extinguisher. (Further research is necessary to reveal whether or not these proposals were eventually approved by the administration.)

Fifty years later, Stu-Fac remains an important part of student government. Led by all-school presidents and the Dean of Student Life, it meets regularly in the Faculty Room. Recently, the group decided on a theme for the Homecoming dance and will continue to make decisions regarding important aspects of the community in months to come.