February 15 marks a milestone for women at the University of Virginia. On that date in 1969, the Board of Visitors voted to remove all restrictions that prevented women from earning undergraduate degrees from Mr. Jefferson's university.
Prior to 1969, women could only earn graduate degrees or study in the School of Education, and the admissions standards for women went beyond just academics.
"They had to be certified to be of good character," said University History Officer Sandy Gilliam.
Female students attended classes long before the Board of Visitors voted for coeducation on grounds on February 15, 1969. They just couldn't earn undergraduate degrees in every field of study.
"Women, I think, were very quickly accepted," said Gilliam. "The academic reputation was improved immensely."
The first coed class in the fall of 1970 included 450 women. Today, the University receives applications from 15,000 women, making up 55% of students admitted.
Second year student Kristen Bouchard said, "I just can't even imagine what the university would be like without the women of the student body."
UVA Dean of Admissions Greg Roberts said the university continues to work to develop diversity on grounds.
"People that come from different backgrounds, have different thoughts and beliefs and opinions, enhance the experience of all students," Roberts said.
One career path UVA is focusing on getting more female students into is engineering.
