Ohio State University, Pleiades Records 1945-1959

0.4 Cubic feet

(1) 5" letter document box

The Pleiades was an undergraduate female student social organization founded at the Ohio State University in 1945; its purpose was to provide an alternative to sorority life on campus. The Ohio State University, Pleiades Records, date from 1945 to 1959, and contain materials such as the organization's constitution, administrative records, meeting minutes, and a history of the Pleiades.

[identification of item], Ohio State University, Pleiades Records, RG 44.9, Ohio State University Archives, Ohio State University

The Ohio State University, Pleiades Records, date from 1945 to 1959, and contain materials such as the organization's constitution, administrative records, meeting minutes, event programs, a freshman handbook, and a history of the Pleiades.

Materials are arranged in the order received.

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Pleiades was an undergraduate all-female student organization at the Ohio State University; it was formed in April 1945 by about 400 women. A year later, it was the largest organization on campus, and at its peak, had over 1000 members. Pleiades was billed as an alternative to sorority life for female students, and involved the organization of women into smaller sections within the larger organization. There were approximately 20 sections, give or take a few depending on the year; some of these sections were: Aces, Alderbaran, Aldebarona (a combined Alderbaran and Corona), Aquila, Aurora, Canfield/Electra, Carman, Comet, Corona, Cosmos, Cuff, Estrellita, Lyra, Mad Hatters, Maia, Pearlites, Rockettes, Satellite, Shiners, Shooting Stars, Sirius, Socius, Sparklers, Star Dusters, Taygeta, Triades, and 18 Plus. Each section had their own leaders, and would plan their own activities, as well as participating in Pleiades-wide activities.

The four principles on which Pleiades was founded are based on service, tolerance, activeness, and responsibility. Pleiades was a unique organization for its time, as it did not restrict members to a certain race, religion, or ethnicity. It was primarily a social organization, organizing dances and other social activities for its members and the campus community. Members also were involved in service projects, and participated in a “big sister” program mentoring freshmen women on campus. For a period, Pleiades had a seat in the Student Senate, in an effort to represent students not involved in Greek life. Pleiades voted to disband in October 1960 when their membership fell to six women; the reason given was that residence halls and rooming house programs eliminated the need for a non-Greek female social organizations.

Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Finding aid written by: Audrey Wimbiscus, 2018 September

Finding aid prepared by Audrey Wimbiscus