Stories
Student Rules: Then Vs. Now
by Aastha Tripathi
This year marks the 100th anniversary of Concordia University of Edmonton. It is always interesting to reflect back on its evolution and compare our current operations. For instance, not too long ago, CUE students were expected to conduct themselves as “a disciple of the Saviour and live at all times in conformity with the word of God.” This meant that students were required to refrain from cursing, indecent language and “everything that was not in harmony with his/her Christian profession.” Instead of class participation marks, students were expected to maintain regular attendance at the daily chapel services and diligently adhere
to their daily prayers and bible reading.
In terms of maintaining a social life, students were not permitted to visit “pool halls, beer parlours, theatres or moving- picture shows.” Fortunately for Concordia’s current students, these rules have evolved for the better. Today, the Concordia Students’ Association in conjunction with the faculty organizes a bi-annual Thunder Fest with many games including pool tables, beer stalls and if you’re lucky, a moving picture show! This isn’t the same Students’ Council from 1961 that proposed a strict “Concordia Code”, which dictated the appropriate student attire based on gender. For example, the male student attire was distinctively categorized into three groups. First, men were expected to wear suits paired with white shirts and ties for formal occasions such as banquets; sports coats and dress shirts with well-pressed slacks were required for classes and dinners. Sport shirts were tolerated for every Saturday chapel. It wasn’t any easier for the women as they were required to wear dresses or skirts at all times. Except for Saturday chapel when they could indulge in wearing blouses and slacks.
Though the heavy religious influence and strict guidelines of maintaining a professional demeanour may have lifted, CUE students continue to remain “respectful to all superiors, courteous to everybody and upright in their dealings,” as they did 100 years ago and as they will in the future.
About Aastha Tripathi
Aastha is a fourth year student in the Faculty of Arts, in the Psychology Applied Emphasis program, and hopes to graduate in Spring 2021. She has served in the position of Arts Representative and currently holds the position of Vice-President of Student Life in the Concordia Students’ Association. After graduating, Aastha hopes to continue post- graduate studies in Edmonton.
CUE Students and Alum to Make Their Own History
Concordia’s CUE 100 committee is very excited to feature the written work of several students and alumni as part of its centenary celebrations. As these celebrations continue, you can look forward to reading short articles by these writers on interesting aspects of Concordia’s history over the past century. Writers were given access to archival documents on particular topics which they were asked to summarize and personally respond to. You’ll be able to discover much about Concordia’s history and how it still resonates among us today. We hope you find these articles both informative and entertaining. Happy 100, Concordians!