The graduating class of 1916 gifted the Senior Fence to the University at commencement. It was meant to start a tradition on campus, of which there were very few at the time, but the Senior Fence had difficulty gaining momentum. The fence was meant for seniors only, though underclassmen were permitted to sit or lean on the fence between the hours of midnight and 4 a.m. Both the Clarion and the K-Book report that the fence was rarely used or defended against underclassmen use. Years later, students began painting the fence as a prank, which then became its own rebellious tradition.