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49-464: The Old Well is located between Old East and Old West residence halls. For many years, it served as the sole water supply for the university. In 1897, the original well was replaced and given its present signature structure by university president Edwin A. Alderman . In 1954, the university built benches, brick walls, and planted various flower beds and trees around the Old Well. Passers-by can drink from

98-418: A contract December 1792, to make 150,000 bricks at the site of where Old East would be built. He also donated 200 acres towards the university grounds. The cornerstone of Old East was laid ceremoniously on October 12, 1793, by William Richardson Davie , who served as the governor of North Carolina from 1798 to 1799. The building was originally two stories tall and contained sixteen rooms. The design reflects

147-490: A large amount of the power wielded by the Societies. By 1946, the last vestige of general student governmental power had been given over to the new Student Congress. The Societies still host an annual Student Body President debate for prospective candidates to the office of UNC Student Body President. By 1959, the Societies had joined together as a Joint Senate for the purposes of preserving their membership rolls and today maintain

196-653: A light blue, today known as Carolina blue , while members of the Philanthropic Society took white. Following a football game against the University of Virginia , in which UVA students displayed orange and blue pennants, the Societies' colors were adopted as the University's official colors. Throughout the 19th century, the two societies engaged in an intense rivalry with each other for campus supremacy. The Societies trained students in oration, writing, and literature. In

245-458: A long "i" in the first syllable. In the early days of the University, students were required to join one of the two societies, and the rivalry between the two was extremely bitter. Society members would ride out on horses to greet incoming students, attempting to recruit them and dissuade them from joining the other society. According to legend, this rivalry eventually led to dueling . The university administration eventually intervened and changed

294-485: A marble water fountain supplying city water that sits in the center of the Old Well. Campus tradition dictates that a drink from the Old Well on the first day of classes will bring good luck (or straight A's). The Old Well is recognized as a National Landmark for Outstanding Landscape Architecture by the American Society of Landscape Architects . The Old Well is also used on the official stamp of all apparel licensed by

343-600: A new motto, " Virtus, Libertas, et Scientia ", with the addition of the word Libertas lending some insight into the reasons for splitting. In 1796 the two societies adopted the Greek equivalents of their names, becoming the Dialectic Society and the Philanthropic Society, known as the Di and the Phi for short. Due to the common use of the shortened form, "Philanthropic" is properly pronounced with

392-476: A speech, and a secondary affirmative and secondary negative, who are both given five minutes to speak. After delivering a speech, speakers must field queries from fellow senators and guests. After the four scheduled speakers have finished, the President recognizes the speakers from the floor. Speakers from the floor may be members or guests. When time has elapsed for debate, the Societies hold two votes. The first

441-478: A steady membership. The Societies still meet together as a Joint Senate with the members of the Philanthropic Society sitting on the north side of the Dialectic Society Chamber and members of the Dialectic Society sitting on the south side of the chamber. Each society is responsible for putting forward a slate of candidates for Joint Senate officers every semester. These officers include the President of

490-467: A student must attend three meetings, including the one prior to their petitioning, and must speak at least four times. One of these speaking occasions must be a speech given during the floor speech section of the meetings program. The petitioner must then deliver a petitioning speech on a topic of their choosing and field questions from the joint senate. Queries may challenge the petitioner to defend claims that they have made in their speech. The petitioner

539-482: A third and to create a new north entrance. The new rooms were used by the Philanthropic Society and also served as a library. Davis ' other additions included large north-facing windows encased by brick panels and two brick porches on the east side of the building. Thomas Day , a skilled and respected African-American cabinetmaker, designed and built the interior woodwork in the society rooms. Old East remained

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588-576: Is a residence hall located at the north part of campus in University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill . Built in 1793 by slave labor, it became the first state university building in the United States . The Wren Building at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia , was built in 1695, but William and Mary did not become a public university until 1906. Colonel John Hogan entered into

637-408: Is also asked to complete a history section, comprised either of questioning on DiPhi history or of an oral report on a topic of DiPhi history chosen by the petitioner. They finally participate in a round of random questions, which may be humorous and challenge the petitioner to think on their feet. After the speech is completed, the petitioner leaves the room. All visitors are also asked to leave, and

686-433: Is charged with handling the table at Chapel Hill's annual Fall Fest to introduce potential members to the organization and garner their interest. Philanthropy Committee : This committee organizes the Societies' charitable endeavors. Programs Committee : This committee is charged with the task of creating each meeting's debate topic and helping coordinate specialty topics on those respective nights. Their agenda helps guide

735-413: Is exclusively a Residence Hall. The contractor in charge of the construction of Old East was James Patterson of Chatham County . By 1804, the building needed significant repairs and was renovated with new doors, window sashes, ladders, and the roof was repainted. The third story was added to the building in 1823. Alexander Jackson Davis was hired by the university in 1844 to lengthen the building by

784-495: Is maintained as simply that—a tradition, instead of a requirement. When a prospective member decides to petition, they may ask any senator in the society they intend to join to act as their sponsor . A sponsor takes on the duty of teaching the petitioner about the history and function of the societies. It is often the case that potential petitioners will ask a senator who often participates in debates or currently in an executive position due to their visibility. To become eligible,

833-404: Is open to anyone in the chamber while the second is open only to active senators. Anyone may abstain from voting, although this is lightheartedly frowned upon and is usually met with hisses and jeers. The result of the vote is entered into the Societies' archives. Business of the Societies follows the program, Old and then New. Reports of Officers are made at this time. The most popular part of

882-459: Is responsible for critiquing and scoring the speeches presented during meetings. They offer notes and any suggestions or commentaries they would like to share upon the conclusion of the debate. The Critic is also able to appoint a Recensioner to assist with the planning of programs and other responsibilities of the Critic. Clerk: This individual is tasked with taking the minutes of meetings, managing

931-597: Is significant that the first order of business for the Debating Society was an order for the purchase of books. Indeed, as the University had no library, the Debating Society's collection became the primary resource for the University, later becoming the core of the school's library. One month after the founding of the Debating Society, the Philanthropic Society (originally known as the Concord Society) split off due to strict rules and political disagreements. It took

980-569: The North Carolina Tar Heels football team traveled from the team hotel and was dropped off in the center of campus, which is the Old Well. From there, the team walked from the Old Well through Tar Heel Town and into the Kenan Football Stadium. This walk was usually packed with fans hoping to see their favorite player(s). The Old Well walk started approximately two and a half hours prior to kickoff. Old East Old East

1029-577: The Constitution. The Constitutional Committee is chaired ex officio by the President Pro Tempore. Finance Committee : Its chair and members are responsible for maintaining the budget and finances of the Joint Societies. Membership Committee : This is the committee that actively recruits new members and encourages new and current members to maintain their membership with the organization. It

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1078-454: The Critic concludes the meeting; members and interested guests then adjourn to the top floor of New East for light refreshment and to foster the "bonds of amity." The Societies also regularly hold special programs outside of their regular meetings. The Margaret Evans Lerche Lecture, named for the first female president of either society, is a formal lecture that seeks to enlighten the University community regarding its past, traditionally given on

1127-502: The Di Phi organization. Executive Committee : This committee is constituted of all officers of the joint senate and the society presidents. They are tasked with various issues that pertain to the organization as a whole. The Executive Committee is chaired ex officio by the President Pro Tempore. Constitutional Committee : This committee ensures that the Societies are adhering to their Constitution. They are tasked with proposing amendments to

1176-412: The Dialectic Society Chamber, on the 3rd floor of New West, an academic building near the center of campus. Debates are held under the guidelines of parliamentary procedure and adhere to a modified Robert's Rules of Order . Resolutions are drafted in advance. For each debate, four members are scheduled as speakers: a primary affirmative and primary negative, who are both given seven minutes to deliver

1225-624: The Historian. President of the Dialectic Society : This individual represents the Dialectic Society at meetings and on the Executive Committee. Speaker of the Philanthropic Society : This individual represents the Philanthropic Society at meetings and on the Executive Committee. Various committees have been constitutionally approved by the Joint Senate along with several ad hoc committees as well that all function to efficiently help maintain

1274-485: The Joint Senate, President Pro-Tempore, Critic, Clerk, Treasurer, Sergeant-at-Arms, and Historian. Membership in the societies is open to all UNC students. Students become senators by petitioning either the Dialectic or Philanthropic Society. Traditionally, the society a student petitions is determined by their county of origin. If the student was from North Carolina , to the east of Orange County , they would petition

1323-607: The Philanthropic Chamber at the top of New East Building. The Dialectic Society (originally known as the Debating Society) was established in 1795, making DiPhi the oldest student organization at any public university in the United States. They adopted the motto " Virtus et Scientia ." The members stated as their goals: "...to promote useful Knowledge..." and "...to cultivate a lasting Friendship with each other..." It

1372-548: The Philanthropic Society Chamber is located on the 4th floor of New East Hall. At one time, each Society's library was located on these floors with their meeting room (or the odeon) on the floor below. The Societies suffered a steady decline in membership after the University ended the requirement that all undergraduate students be a member of one of the two societies. In addition, in 1904, the University established an independent student government, thus taking away

1421-510: The Philanthropic Society. If they are from North Carolina, to the west of Orange County, they would petition the Dialectic Society. If the student came from Orange County, or was from another state or country entirely, they could choose their society. However, in their Fall Session of 2012, this was constitutionally altered and any prospective member has the ability to petition either society, regardless of their place of origin. Although once an integral part of determining membership, this tradition

1470-445: The Societies' chambers and book and portrait collections. The SAA appoints a Curator to assist with maintaining the Societies' portrait collection and library and other responsibilities. Historian : This individual is charged with knowing and upholding the traditions and customs of the Societies. The Historian appoints an Archivist to assist with maintaining the genealogical records of the Societies and with other responsibilities of

1519-536: The Societies' correspondence, and depositing records in the Societies' archives. The Clerk appoints a Correspondent to assist with the Societies' communications and with other responsibilities of the Clerk. Treasurer: This individual is tasked with collecting dues and managing the Societies' finances. However, they cannot chair the Finance Committee. Sergeant at Arms : This individual is responsible for maintaining

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1568-774: The Societies' literary magazine. Social Committee : This committee organizes all the Societies' social events, excluding December and April, and handles affairs with other organizations at U.N.C. Inter-Societal Relations Committee : This committee keeps in touch with literary societies across the East Coast, such as the Philolexians, the Demosthenians, the Phi-Kappas, and the Philodemics. It also organizes trips to visit these societies. December/April Committees : These committees have

1617-528: The authority to pass or deny any motions per the voting of the Joint Senate. This individual also attends all committee meetings and supports the committees in their various tasks. President Pro Tempore : This individual is the constitutional officer and essentially the vice president of the Joint Senate. They chair the Executive Committee and the Constitutional Committee and are responsible for maintaining order at meetings. Critic : This individual

1666-416: The chambers are sealed. Thus, the decision process is known only to active senators. The candidate is informed of the Joint Senate's decision within a week of the petition, through a letter delivered by the clerk of the Joint Senate. The induction takes place at a later time. This is done during meetings, following the evening's program. Again, visitors are asked to leave, and the chambers are sealed while

1715-601: The evening of University Day. The Mangum Medal is the oldest student-given award at UNC. It is the Chancellor’s Award for oratory, given each year to a graduating senior. This award is managed by the Societies, who typically determine the winner of the medal based on an oratorical competition. Poe By Candlelight is a literary event held each year around Halloween, celebrating macabre poetry and other frightening literature, particularly that of Edgar Allan Poe . President: This individual presides over all meetings and maintains

1764-456: The evening's meeting. The Programs Committee is chaired ex officio by the Critic. Diversity Committee : This committee is responsible for increasing the diversity of the Societies. Alumni Committee : This committee is charged with maintaining the Societies' relations with their alumni. White and Blue Committee : This committee is responsible for overseeing the publication of the White and Blues,

1813-629: The home of the Philanthropic Society until New East was completed in 1860. In 1877, Zebulon Baird Vance , the Governor of North Carolina and chair of the Board of Trustees, declared the anniversary of Old East's construction, October 12, was University Day and should "be observed with appropriate ceremonies under the direction of the faculty." Subsequent celebrations of University Day have included speeches by President John F. Kennedy in 1961 and President Bill Clinton in 1993. Students are released from classes

1862-471: The meeting is PPMA: Papers, Petitions, Memorials, and Addresses. Historically, they are assigned by class, with freshman presenting Papers, sophomore Petitions, and so forth; however, anyone is free to speak on any topic. Since this portion of the evening often has the most speakers, time limits are generally kept at five minutes; decorum suggests the speaker requests an extension before beginning to speak. There are no time limits for Memorials. The Report of

1911-558: The morning of University Day and many migrate to the Old East Birthday Bash, which has in the past included things like cake, athletic signings, puppies, appearances by the chancellor, dance routines, and a capella performances. The building was designated a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service December 21, 1965. The Old Well and Old East, as the earliest buildings at UNC, have long been

1960-559: The original collegiate debating societies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , and together comprise the oldest student organization at the University, as well as the oldest public student organization in the United States. During the academic year, the Societies hold regular meetings at 7:30 PM on Mondays in the Dialectic Chamber at the top of the New West Building. The Societies also hold occasional social events in

2009-499: The responsibility of organizing the December, the Societies' annual formal dance, or the April, the Societies' annual semi-formal dance. Acquisitions Committee : This committee looks to acquire portraits and other properties for the Societies. Portrait Committee : Its members are required to maintain and arrange the Societies' extensive portrait collection. Traditions Committee : This is

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2058-552: The secret ritual is carried out. The Dialectic and Philanthropic Societies Foundation holds one of the largest privately held portrait collections in the United States, composed mainly of 19th- and early-20th-century portraits of prominent former members, many of whom held positions of power in the State of North Carolina. It is believed that the Foundation has either the largest or second largest collection of William Garl Browne portraits in

2107-421: The societies' official rules, making membership based upon geography with the Phi members coming from the eastern part of the state and the Di members from the western part (see below for a detailed description of this arrangement). Now together in a Joint Senate, the societies still maintain the rivalry in a more congenial way. Shortly after the societies split, they each took a color. The Dialectic Society took

2156-595: The symbols of the university. There are some collections of art about Old East and the Old Well in Blowing Rock Art and History Museum , North Carolina, as well as in UNC-Chapel Hill's Wilson Library . It is located in the Chapel Hill Historic District . Dialectic and Philanthropic Societies The Dialectic and Philanthropic Societies, Inc. commonly known as DiPhi or The Societies, are

2205-694: The thirty years before the Civil War, they also invited distinguished speakers (often alumni) to address the school at graduation. The addresses, which were multi-day graduation exercises, brought politicians, lawyers, physicians, and others to campus. One of the most important graduation speeches came from North Carolina Supreme Court Justice William Gaston in 1832, in which he urged the end of slavery. Those graduation speeches have proved an important source for gauging public attitudes towards union and constitutional law in North Carolina. They illustrate that U.N.C.

2254-406: The university trustees' vision of a quadrangle that ran north toward the town of Chapel Hill. Although the cost of construction is unknown, there are records from 1799 indicating that the university spent a total of $ 12,180 for work on Steward's Hall, Old East, Person Hall, and the President's House. After its construction, Old East functioned as both a classroom building and a Residence Hall; today it

2303-419: The university. Because of its status as a symbol of the university, it is the target of vandals around the time of Carolina - State sporting events. In Kinston, North Carolina , there is a replica of the Old Well, created to honor UNC alumnus Harvey Beech. Beech was one of the first African-Americans to attend the University of North Carolina School of Law . On game days from the 2001-2012 football seasons,

2352-443: The world. In addition, the Societies hold a number of pieces of mid-19th-century furniture in both chambers, some of which are pieces known to have been made by the famed free black furniture maker Thomas Day . The remainder of the pieces are likely the work of a similar furniture-maker. The Societies meet every Monday night at 7:30 post meridiem on the top floor of New West Hall while classes are in session. Meetings are held in

2401-476: Was substantially more moderate and more supportive of Union than other universities in the south. It became the tradition of the societies to handle the funeral expenses of members who died while attending the University, and several members are now buried in the Societies' adjoining plots in the Old Chapel Hill Cemetery . The Dialectic Society Chamber is located on the 3rd floor of New West Hall and

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