The Coed Experience

Like their peers, Janet, Karen and Lynn were expected to abide by the rules and regulations put established for the university’s co-eds. The Student Handbook and “The William & Mary Woman” section of the Undergraduate Catalog outlined these expectations. For example, wearing shorts, pedal pushers, slacks, dungarees or gym shorts, for example, was prohibited in public. Though a dress code and curfew may seem antiquated today, they were commonplace as colleges implemented coeducation.

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Colonial Echo, 1971

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Photograph of Janet Brown Strafer, Colonial Echo, 1971

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Photograph of Karen Ely, Colonial Echo, 1971

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Photograph of Lynn Briley, Colonial Echo, 1971

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“The W&M Woman” 1967-1968, Undergraduate Catalog and Announcements, Archives LD6051 .W5 1967

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Janet Brown Strafer's duc cap, 1967, Courtesy of Janet Brown Strafer

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Janet Brown Strafer's duc cap, 1967, Courtesy of Janet Brown Strafer

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Janet Brown Strafer's gym skirt, circa 1967-1971. Courtesy of Janet Brown Strafer

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William & Mary Student Handbook, 1970