The Madison confessional moderated by Chris Bolgiano

Creator:
Bolgiano, Chris, King, Sherry, and Schulz, Gillian
Scope and content:

Records reminiscences from a group of approximately thirty Madison College alumni in attendance at a discussion program entitled "A Discussion Session on Breaking the Rules." Respondents represented graduating classes from the mid-1940s through the mid-1970s, with a majority representing the classes of 1951 and 1956. Due to the format of the discussion, individual respondents are not identified by name in the transcript, only by gender, and whenever possible, by graduating class year. Opens with a brief discussion of student protest events in 1941 and 1970, including the dismissal of three professors for their parts in the latter protest. Describes the college Standards Committee's influence on student conduct and dating regulations over the years. Recalls anecdotes regarding campus police officer Frank Roberts. Discusses various violations of student conduct codes, including unauthorized driving/riding, drinking, curfew and lights out violations, as well as the honor and dress codes. Describes the various penalties for such violations, including mark downs, revocation of privileges, restriction to campus, and expulsion. Refers to the possession of contraband items in the dormitories, such as alcohol, electrical appliances, and pets. Mentions college Presidents Samuel P. Duke, G. Tyler Miller, Ronald E. Carrier, Deans of Women Ruth Wilkins and Hope Vandever Miller, as well as House Mother Agnes S. Dingledine, who was known on campus as "Mama Ding." Gives a brief account of the stigma and consequences of unplanned pregnancy on campus. Describes various social activities at Madison College, such as May Day, the election of Miss Madison, New Girl/Old Girl Weddings, cotillions and other themed dances. Briefly mentions the advent of coeducation in the late 1960s, and the impact of male undergraduates on the 1970 student protest.

Access and use

Location of collection:
James Madison University
Second Floor Room 203, MSC 1704
Carrier Library
James Madison University
880 Madison Drive
Harrisonburg, VA 22807
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Tiffany Cole
Phone: (540) 568-3444
Phone: (540) 568-3612
Fax: (540) 568-3405
Parent restrictions:
Access to these oral histories is governed by a deed of gift signed by the interviewer and narrator(s). Most of the oral histories are open for use without restriction. Due to incomplete or nonexistent consent agreements and legal releases, access to the Nelson Hoover interview (SdArch 21-3) and Madison Confessional 2004 (SdArch 21-4) is only available for in-person research. With the exception of the Margaret Brooks Burruss interview (SdArch 21-1), the audio component of the interviews is not available pending reformatting. The audio for SdArch 21-1 is available upon request. Researchers must register and agree to copyright and privacy laws before using this collection. Please contact Research Services staff before visiting the James Madison University Special Collections Library to use this collection.
Parent terms of access:
The copyright interests for the bulk of the materials in this collection have been transferred to the James Madison University Special Collections Library. Due to incomplete or nonexistent consent agreements and legal releases, the copyright interests for the Nelson Hoover interview (SdArch 21-3) and Madison Confessional 2004 (SdArch 21-4) have not been determined. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).

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