Associated Women Students

Associated Women Students (AWS), formerly called the Women's League, was formed between 1953 and 1954 at the University of Maryland. A self-governing body of women students, the association's purposes were establishing and enforcing standards of conduct for women students; sponsoring cultural and social activities; coordinating women's activities on campus; and promoting the development of leadership, good scholarship, and self-responsibility among the co-eds.

Every woman enrolled at the university was automatically a member of the Associated Women Students. The women students elected a president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, and various other representatives. In 1954, the association consisted of four divisions: the Executive Council, Resident Council, Campus Judicial Board, and Campus Academic Board. By 1959, the Resident Council had divided further into the Dormitory Council and the Sorority Council, bringing the total number of divisions to five. AWS was primarily concerned with the formulation, administration, and interpretation of the rules of social conduct as well as the planning of social activities. It also played an active role in the Student Government Association and was a recognized forum for women to voice their concerns and to initiate university-wide changes. Associated Women Students was also a member of the Intercollegiate Associated Women Students organization and participated in national and regional conventions. AWS was active until at least 1970, after which it was probably folded into the Student Government Association.

From the guide to the Associated Women Students records, 1957-1967, 1957-1961, 1964-1967, (University of Maryland)

Historical Note:

San Diego State Teacher's College established the Associated Women Students (AWS) in May of 1922, after three students attended the Intercollegiate Association of Women Students by invitation the previous March. The organization's original goals included promoting education among women, organizing women on campus, and educating the public on women's suffrage rights. AWS's goals changed numerous times throughout its existence, to those aimed at promoting "friendship and cooperation among members" and participating "in matters of student interest," in the 1950s, to acting as a "coordinating force for the women students of San Diego State," providing leadership for all women on campus, and promoting growth in cultural, social, service, and educational areas by the early 1970s. AWS accomplished its goals through a series of special events, awards, lecture series, and other activities for campus women. Members included all registered women students at San Diego State.

From the guide to the Associated Women Students (AWS) Collection, 1936-1977, 1961-1973, (Special Collections & University Archives)