Radcliffe Revamps Rules, Changes 'Signout' Hours

A new set of social rules abolishing evening signouts for most Cliffies was approved by the Radcliffe Government Association last week.

The new rules, which will become effective next Fall, require upperclassmen and second semester freshmen to sign out (and specify their destination) only when they will be out past 8:30 a.m. the next morning. Present rules not only include this overnight signout but also demand that girls sign out -- without indicating destinations -- between midnight and 8:15 a.m.

Regulations for the first semester freshmen will remain much the same as this year, with signouts required after 10 p.m. and a 1 a.m. curfew unless special permission is obtained from an upperclassman on the dormitory committee.

The new RGA rules also establish the following:

* No Cliffie leaving the dorm after 5 a.m. is required to sign out;

* All late permissions for freshmen will automatically extend until 8:30 a.m.;

* Upperclassmen planning to remain out overnight may sign out without special permission, but freshmen must get permission from their head residents.

Complaints

Anastasia Kucharski '68, RGA president, began drawing up the new rules last month after dorm presidents and many Cliffies complained that the present rules, adopted last year, were pointless and unenforceable. They contended that the present system, in which girls do not write their destinations, does not provide any protection, and therefore should be either strengthened or abolished.

Liberalized Rules

The liberalized rules have been wellreceived, Miss Kucharski said. She admitted, however, that they may be unacceptable to some Cliffies who believe that girls should have the right to protect themselves by recording their destinations. "Voluntary signouts are the next logical step," said Miss Kucharski, "but signout changes must be made gradually."

Included in the RGA legislation is a judicial system defining maximum and minimum punishment for infraction of the rules. Punishments will consist of warnings -- one hour of bells or its equivalent -- and pros, defined as one Friday or Saturday night upstairs in the dormitory.