Memorandum

FROM THE PRESIDENTTO MEMBERS OF THE COLLEGE September 28, 1940.

There are few in the United States who do not recognize it as fact that world events must affect each personal life and require restraints and impose discipline for the common good as against the latitude heretofore permitted. Amongst the resulting change of conditions in society everywhere about us, the colleges cannot allow themselves to appear uncomprehending or inert. In the widespread acceptance of the conviction that as a people we must be toughened and conditoned from within if we are to resist impending pressures from without, the colleges must share. These statements apply even to details of conduct.

No basis exists for a belief that the great majority of undergraduates would not subscribe to these assertions. Always, however, there is a small proportion of the student body to whom creature comforts are more important than intellectual or bodily improvement and to whom any desired degree of self-indulgence seems not only a privilege but a right of the college man. It is to these few that this communication is particularly addressed.

To the man without interest in the educational opportunities proffered or without capability for self-discipline to utilize these effectively, the College will continue to say more definitely even than in the past that his place in the student body is needed for one better disposed than he to profit from the advantages available.

To those to whom desire to follow their own devices leads to the heedlessness of an exaggerated adolescence, it is to be said that the College proposes to require a more careful conformity than at times in the easier going past to those of its rules and regulations which are designed to insure good conduct. Specifically, in relation to individuals, orderliness, sobriety, and consideration of the rights of others will be held requisite to continued membership in Dartmouth College. And in relation to groups, a heightened observation of these requirements will be requisite to continued enjoyment of the privileges which go with the several phases of student self-government.

For the completest understanding between the official College and its undergraduate body, I have felt that statement should be made of these principles which the Administration Committee purposes to implement from time to time in rulings upon cases which are brought to its attention.