A newspaper clipping titled 'PC Student Poll Findings Show Coeds Are Welcome.'

Making the Decision

Before Coeducation

Prior to 1971, issues related to coeducation came up many times. From the rules governing dorm visitations, known as parietals, to planning social events with both coeducational and women’s only schools, the logistics around these became part of the discussion as Providence College considered coeducation.

A classroom filled with students most of whom are seated at desks, some taking notes while others listen attentively. The image is labeled 'Co-Education Day' at the bottom left corner.

Coeducation Day with Salve Regina University

Students argued for more freedoms on campus, including relaxing parietals, the rules that governed dorm visitations by the opposite sex. Compromises were attempted by expanding visitation times and creating more spaces for visits, but it wasn’t enough.

In Fall of 1968, Student Congress introduced a parietals bill to allow women visitors in dormitory rooms on weekends. Administration was hesitant and opposed to discussions. In February 1969, a new compromise was introduced, the Open House policy.

The Open House policy:

  1. Doors are to be opened wide enough to permit a person to enter.
  2. A student entertaining a young lady in his room must register her by name and check out on a special guest list which will be placed on the door of the student prefect responsible for proper decorum for Open House.
  3. She must be at least seventeen years old.
  4. Open House is effective in all residence halls from 1:30 to 6 p.m.
  5. Young lady visitors, except relatives, must be escorted to and from the area they are visiting.

Committee Work

These tensions and trials contributed to the formation of the Committee to Study the Feasibility of Coeducation in 1969. This committee brought together faculty and administrators to explore the various benefits and potential pitfalls of coeducation.

Newspaper clipping titled 'Coeducation Plan Slated for Study' from October 16, 1969. The article discusses the formation of a committee by the Corporation of Providence College to study the feasibility of coeducation at the college.

Coeducation Plan Slated for Study

Rev. Paul van K. Thomson headed the committee to research coeducation at Providence College.

Faculty Input

Though not the prevailing opinion of most faculty, the views of Rev. Joseph Luke Lennon '40, '61 Hon. entered the coeducation discussion with intensity. The College quickly released statements to counter the unofficial pamphlet, assuring the community that the coeducation question was under fair and thorough evaluation. Fr. Lennon eventually changed his views regarding women on campus.

"... women do not, or cannot, or do not want to innovate. They seldom start new projects. Converse, supports, keep in good order and running condition - yes, this they do well. But don't expect them to be creative, original, daring, or initiators of new movements."

- Father Lennon

The cover of a book which reads 'When the Girls Come an interview with Father Lennon.'

When the Girls Come (cover)

Alumni Answer

Over 3400 alumni responded to a survey seeking their opinion on coeducation. While not as heavily tipped to favorable as the student poll, the majority of respondents were in favor of coeducation.

Newspaper clipping with the headline "Alumni In Favor Of Co-Education." The article discusses the results of a questionnaire concerning coeducation at Providence College, showing that more than 30% of alumni responded, with 2035 in favor, 1317 opposed, and many undecided but expressing thoughts on the subject.

Alumni in Favor of Co-Education

Typed document titled 'ARGUMENTS FOR AND AGAINST COEDUCATION AT PROVIDENCE' lists reasons for and against coeducation at the undergraduate level at Providence College.

Arguments For and Against Coeducation at Providence College

A scanned document titled "COED QUESTIONNAIRE RETURNS" dated Dec. 3, 1969. The document is divided into three columns labeled 'YES,' 'NO,' and 'UNDECIDED' with 2,064 tallies for yes, 1,391 for no, and 22 undecided.

Coeducation Alumni Survey Tallies

"As far as masculine values are concerned, send me a list will you, I must have lost mine... It seems obvious that coeducation at Providence College could do much to enhance the prestige of the college while at the same time be educating both scholastically and spiritually the future women of this country"
- Class of 1960

"Never has there been a society so enamored of change for the sake of change."
- Class of 1955

"Since the current trend is to coeducation, Providence College can maintain a unique place... There are many all-female colleges in the vicinity to provide a social diversion."
- Class of 1957

"I see no real value attached to a totally male-oriented institution besides that of perpetuating a false sense of male superiority."
- Class of 1959

Students in Favor

Providence College Student Congress conducted their own survey and published a report showing the trend toward coeducation and the overwhelmingly positive student opinion.

Black and white newspaper clipping featuring a photograph of a student wearing glasses and holding a book. The headline reads 'Coeds - A Great Idea' by George Popkin. The article discusses the presence of female students at Providence College, with the man in the photograph, Michael Ruddy, expressing support for the idea.

Coeds - A Great Idea

A student standing in front of a ballot box holding a piece of paper. The box reads 'Coed ballot' and 'Calendar change.' There are two other students in the background.

Student Referendum Vote on Coeducation

Newspaper article titled "PC Students, at Least, Like the Idea of Coeds" discusses the opinions of Providence College students regarding coeducation. The article includes quotes from various students expressing their views on the matter, highlighting a range of perspectives on the integration of women into the college.

PC Students, at Least, Like the Idea of Coeds

Infographic titled 'PC Student Poll Coeducation Questionnaire' presents the results of a student poll regarding coeducation at Providence College. The main highlight is that 86% of students felt that admitting women would have a positive impact on the College's recruitment of 'well-qualified male students.' A quote from a student congress report on coeducation states, 'Even now the all male atmosphere is hindering Providence College's ability to recruit and retain students and faculty members; moreover, the all-male atmosphere is stunting the development of an adequate cultural atmosphere... and of the students necessary maturity.' The infographic also includes specific poll results: 75% believe coeducation would improve academic social life, 73% think it would enhance academic standards, 69% feel it would improve student behavior and attitudes, and 40% say it would increase their likelihood to stay at PC for four years. At the bottom, there is a banner stating 'PC Students, at Least, Like the Idea of Coeds.'

PC Student Poll Results

On June 2, 1970, the Providence College Corporation voted 19 in favor and 3 opposed to adopt the recommendations of the Committee to Study the Feasibility of Coeducation. This gave the College just over 14 months to prepare for the first coeducational class at Providence College.

Item Set: Making the Decision

Next: Welcoming Change