Medusa and Senate records

The Medusa originated in 1892 as a senior honorary society. Each year, members of the junior class were “tapped” by seniors to carry on college traditions, and in later years, to maintain a sense of responsibility and integrity within the community. The Senate originated in the spring of 1909 and was comprised of elected representatives from within a variety of student body groups--class years, sports teams, fraternities, Tripod editor, and Medusa. While its function was unclear at the time of founding, the Senate quickly found footing, and by the 1960s its stated purpose was to “create and maintain channels of communication among students, faculty, administration and trustees.” Both the Senate and the Medusa acted as branches of the college’s student government, with offices located in Mather Hall. The Senate was the legislative body, overseeing class and club funding and student organizations in general, and keeping the student body apprised of campus affairs. In the early 1950s, the Medusa was empowered by the Senate to oversee judicial and disciplinary functions, working with the Dean of Students and the Faculty Committee on Academic Standing and Discipline on matters of student conduct. The Medusa was responsible for the delivery of penalties such as fines, censures, suspensions, dismissals, and expulsions. The Senate, however, acted as the final student court of appeal. By the 1969 academic year, the Medusa had disbanded, and the Senate followed in 1970. Speculation exists to suggest that Medusa may have been re-constituted since its disappearance in the late 1960s.

Disambiguation: The (student) Senate, started in 1909, was different from the Academic Senate (Senatus Academicus), which flourished at Trinity College beginning in the 1840s.