February 7, 1917.

To the Students of the University:

The Society of Innocents by declaring itself in favor of the establishment of a Student Council has cleared the way for immediate action in the matter. This Society which has always shown great loyalty in upholding University traditions and promoting good things in the University recognizes that the establishment of a Council will add to our organization of student affairs a body designed to supplement the present system. About the only criticism that has ever been made of the Innocents is the failure to control succesfully student conduct a function which the Society has never wished to perform and which it would now very gladly turn over to the Student Council. The line of demarcation between the activities of the senior societies namely the Innocents and the Black Masques, and the Student Council will in my judgment follow naturally in harmony with the spirit of the organizations. The senior societies will concern themselves largely with Nebraska traditions. They will boost for Ivy Day University Week Olympics rallies and student gatherings parades trips and banquets. They will select cheer leaders and endeavor to promote a spirit of loyalty and unity in the institution.

On the other hand among the duties of the Student Council will be the control of conduct at public functions honesty in examinations protection of student property proper care and use of student activity funds the promotion of temperance and right living among students, and good conduct at all social functions. Student health and student efficiency will be considered the closing hours of student functions and complaints from the student body will recieve attention. There is no more need of conflict between the senior societies and the proposed Student Council than between such organizations as the Lincoln Commercial Club, the Rotary Club or the Ministerial Union on the one hand and the city government on the other.

HOW TO MAKE THE COUNCIL EFFECTIVE

The charter for the Council to be effective must be accepted by the students, and by the University Senate. The Regents in whom the final authority in all matters pertaining to the University rests have delegated to the University Senate ample powers to deal with the situation. To proceed wisely will require some study. I would suggest that any organization interested in the matter take such steps to procure much information as they see fit. We must be very careful not to proceed too  rapidly or to act without a sufficient consideration of all matters relating to the subject. In order to give definite form to the above suggestions, I hereby name the following to act as the Student Council Commission: Dean Mary Graham chairman; Dean Engberg representing the Senate Committee on Student Affairs Professor Buck representing the Inter-Fraternity Council Miss Runge representing the Inter-Sorority Council a representative of the Society of Innocents a representative of the Society of Black Masques a young man to represent the senior class a young woman to represnt the junior class. The class representative may be appointed by the president or selected by the class at large. It is believed that this commission will be fairly representative of the whole Uni versity. Other organisations can express their views to this commission. When the commission has decided on a plan of organisation it shall become their duty to submit the same for ratification to the student body either through mass meeting or ballot. After ratification by the student body has been secured the entire matter will be laid before the University Senate for adoption or amendment. In case it is amended by the Senate it will again be referred to the student body for approval. 

The commission will hold open meetings from time to time in order that representatives of any student organization may have ample opportunity for a hearing. The commission will at the call of the chairman convene as soon as possible in order that the work be started.

S. Avery