Campus Y (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)

Students at the University of North Carolina established a chapter of the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) in 1860. Although the association initially was run entirely by the students, the university encouraged it and eventually provided it with a building. The YMCA disbanded in 1870 but was reestablished in 1876 and has operated continuously since then. In addition to providing a center for religious life on the campus, the YMCA took the lead in organizing an orientation program for new students, published the student handbook for many years, ran the book exchange, and played an important role in early athletics at the university. From 1926 to 1943, the YMCA sponsored the Institute of Human Relations, which brought speakers of many religious and political persuasions to the university. The institute was disbanded during World War II but was reestablished as the Carolina Symposium in 1956. The Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) was established on campus in 1936 and began to sponsor programs and events of a similar nature. In 1954, the paid staffs and advisory boards of the YMCA and YWCA were merged; however, the two associations maintained separate student cabinets until 1973. The merged organization was known as the YMCA-YWCA until 1976, when its name changed to Campus Y. The Campus Y has focused increasingly on community service and issues related to social justice and race relations. The director of the Campus Y reports to the vice chancellor for student affairs.

From the description of Records of the Campus Y, 1860-2005 (bulk 1950-2005). WorldCat record id: 27122211

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