Colgate University Students' Association records, A1279

According to one of its early constitutions, the Association was originally formed for consultation on subjects of common interests and provision for incidental expenses, in part through the collection of a tax. They were responsible for general oversight of the College buildings and yard ... for the purpose of keeping them in repair.

By the twentieth century, the Students' Association was responsible for a wider range of activities and functioned as Colgate's student government. Their responsibilities over the years included enforcing discipline on campus, sponsoring social events, upholding the honor code, and overseeing student activities.

The Association included a number of advisory boards that played leadership roles in specific areas of student life at Colgate. The Students' Advisory Board had "authority over all non-athletic campus activities," including music groups, dramatic clubs, and student publications.

"Student Government at Colgate," 1923 Salmagundi, (Hamilton, NY: Junior Class of Colgate University, 1922), 256, 261.