University History

Rat Regulations

In the early days of Richmond College and Westhampton College freshman students were given the designation of “Rats” and were obliged to adhere to certain rules imposed by the upper classes.

During the 1917-1918 academic year, the rules for Richmond College freshmen were as follows:

  1. A freshman, in the contemplation of these rules and of the upperclassmen, is any student spending his first year in any college.
  2. No freshman may smoke cigars on the campus or on the athletic field or stands until after Christmas.
  3. No freshman will be allowed to visit Westhampton College under any circumstances, except on occasion designated by the Student Senate, until after Christmas.
  4. Freshmen are not allowed to lounge or loiter around the Student Shop during chapel time.
  5. Each and every freshman shall wear a red and blue cap prescribed for freshmen AT ALL TIMES on the campus, save on Sundays, and to all home athletic games, including those played in Richmond. This rule will apply in full force until after Christmas.
  6. No freshmen may address an upper-classman by his “nick” name until after Christmas.
  7. No freshman shall be guilty of any misconduct in the Refectory.
  8. No freshman may sit at the head or foot of a table in the Refectory, and shall assist in passing food, pouring water, etc. throughout the year without comment.
  9. Freshmen shall assist in carrying baggage, books, etc., when requested to do so by upperclassmen unless physically disabled.

For Westhampton College freshmen during the 1917-1918 academic year, the rules were:

  1. For thy ease of manner and for the rest and comfort of the much over worked upper classmen and for the cultivation of the virtue, patience, so becoming to thy Ratty positions, thou shalt not push nor crowd when boarding a street car and thou shall gracefully give way and allow thine superiors to precede thee.
  2. Thou shalt not, at any time without special permission from an upper classman, take possession of any boat, except thine own, which floats upon Westhampton lake.
  3. Thou shalt at all meals pour the water and serve the butter, spoon bread, and soup, without murmur or complaint.
  4. For the cultivation of social graces and for the properness of they conduct thou shalt not receive callers (if thou are lucky enough to have any) save in the Blue Room.