Annesley Student Government Association fonds

Administrative History

The Annesley Student Government Association was formed in 1906 in response to a general demand among students for self-government. Prior to this, decisions about women students in residence was the purview of the Women's Residence and Educational Association (the Victoria Women's Association) and the Committee of Management, the Dean of Women and the Senate. The ASGA had an executive with a chairman known as the Head of the House and along with Dean Addison, they created a code of conduct. In 1911, the Chancellor of the University wrote to Dean Addison with concerns about discipline at Annesley Hall and noted his intention to bring the issue to the Senate. As a result, a Committee of the Senate was formed to review the code of conduct and student self-government, which the ASGA was promoting. In 1912, The Annesley Hall Commission was tasked by the Senate to report on this issues. The final report found confidence in the idea of student government and Dean Addison and suggested more power be given to her and the the students. Opposition by President Burwash and several members of the Committee of Management however, put this on hold. In 1914, the new President, Richard Pinch Bowles, signed the charter of the Annesley Student Government Association, which permitted the establishment of the Women's Students Council and the Annesley Student Government Association continued its existence as a residence council. In 1934, it became part of the Victoria College Union.