Encyclopedia of UNCG History
An online resource for exploring the history of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro
student life
Literary Societies
Beginning in 1893, the State Normal and Industrial School created two Literary Societies, the Adelphian and Cornelian literary societies. All students were inducted into one Society or the other, determined randomly. These groups hosted many of the events on campus, including plays, debates, socials, and dances, as entertainment for the student body. The idea to create […]
Tree Day
Tree Day began with the Class of 1895, which, on Arbor Day, planted a tree on campus and arranged a special program. The tradition then became to plant the class tree in the freshman year, and in the following years to hold a celebration commemorating the occasion. Classes continued the tree planting tradition until 1910, […]
Consolidated University Council
In 1931, the University of North Carolina consolidated university system was established, bringing together the state-sponsored institutions at Chapel Hill, Raleigh (then State College), and Greensboro (then the North Carolina College for Women) into a single consolidated university system, sharing a single president and board of trustees. To promote unity among the students at the three […]
Consolidated University Day
In 1931, the University of North Carolina consolidated university system was established, bringing together the state-sponsored institutions at Chapel Hill, Raleigh (then State College), and Greensboro (then the North Carolina College for Women) into a single consolidated university system, sharing a single president and board of trustees. To promote unity among the students at the […]
Golden Chain Honor Society
In 1948, students organized the Golden Chain Honor Society, honoring those students who had demonstrated a significant and meaningful commitment to campus service.
Alpha Phi Omega
The Phi Kappa chapter of Alpha Phi Omega, a national service fraternity, was established at UNCG in 1969. In the 1970s, members of APO began two projects that had lasting impact on the campus. In 1970, it began the Christmas tradition of lining the campus walks and drives with luminaries (at the time, paper bags containing […]
Warren Ashby Residential College
Located in Mary Foust Residence Hall, the Warren Ashby Residential College is among the oldest continually operating living-learning communities in North Carolina. Wanting to keep the intimate academic experience at the university, “Residential College” was founded in 1970 by the Dean of Arts and Sciences Robert Miller and Professor of Philosophy Warren Ashby. In developing […]
Rat Day
The tradition of Rat Day at Woman’s College began in the 1930s as part of the initiation process of the four campus literary societies. This annual one-day event typically took place during the month of October or November and was promoted as a fun time of getting to know one another. In reality, it was […]
Darlinettes
The Darlinettes and their four-member vocal group, The Rhythmettes, were a big band consisting of Woman’s College students, formed in 1942. Many of the Darlinettes’ and Rhythmettes’ performances took place at Woman’s College. They played many of the formal dances and “soldier dances” held on campus during and immediately after WWII. But the group was […]
Religious Activities Center
The Religious Activities Center served as the central administrative hub for all of the student-led religious activities and groups. The Center was located on the third floor of Elliott Hall, and included the office of the Inter-Faith Council president, the office of the Coordinator of Religious Activities (a University-hired position), and a large room in […]