Freshmen boys in "midget sombreros"

Well, at least they could back in March 1928.

“As buds with the coming of spring burst forth from their wintry casements, so the freshman have found freedom in parting themselves from their blue top pieces.” (Wednesday, April 4, 1928, “Student Council Penalizes Frosh For Delinquency”)

In 1928, entering male students were required to don a cap marking them as a freshman for the first seven months of their academic career. After this period, students with a favorable track record of wearing the garment were allowed to remove it.

“According to [Student Body] President Weaver, a riotous celebration is to be staged this evening at which a large time will be had by all. Immediately after the regular Wednesday night picture, all freshman will lineup, turn their caps, and have their names checked off the list.” (Wednesday, March 28, 1928, “Freshman Caps Be Taken Off Tonight”)

“Unfortunately, though, some freshman may still be seen nonchalantly pursuing their course about the campus with their midget sombreros squatting insecurely on their heads. In this practice of cap wearing, the laws of Nature must be obeyed.” (Wednesday, March 28, 1928, “Student Council Penalizes Frosh For Delinquency”)

Fourteen individuals were required to continue wearing their caps until April 16. Most notably, one freshman so infuriated the council with his refusal to wear the headgear that they demanded he don the cap until June.

“As fathers have done, so have sons likewise; and the freshman now will bequeath to the oncoming freshman class the full privilege of wearing ht blue caps and the pleasure of losing them.” (Wednesday, March 28, 1928, “Student Council Penalizes Frosh For Delinquency”)

These days you can spot freshmen as they struggle to pack themselves into the C-1 bus or when they give you a look of sheer panic while attempting to navigate the campus. While official labels probably made being a freshman more terrifying, you have to admit: it’s kind of funny.