The founding of the Associated Women Students (AWS) is disputed. According to A History of Eastern Michigan University : 1849-1965, the Women's Self-Government Association was established at Michigan State Normal College in 1914, at a time when female students outnumbered males. In 1919, the Association was renamed the Women's League as a counterpart to the Men's Union, and was intended to better serve the needs of women, and all female students became members upon enrollment. However, the Eastern Michigan University Women's Association history maintains that in 1919 the Women's Association (then the Faculty Women's Club) proposed the Women's League to "promote a fuller social life for girls and to raise social standards." None of the AWS records pre-date 1919.

The League was divided into two boards: the Executive Board which handled the legislative, social, and service functions of the club, and the Advisory Board, which handled the judicial problems and regulations of female students. The League also collected, published, and distributed materials regarding etiquette. During this period, the League established the League of Women Voters on campus, the Campus Sisters group, which welcomed new students, and the Community Service Club.

In 1955-1956, the organization changed its name once more to the Association of Women Students. The Constitution stated the purpose of the organization as, "to cultivate a campus environment which will encourage women to govern themselves throughout their college careers...to promote fellowship and a spirit of unity among women students...to develop greater integration of women's organizations...to work cooperatively with faculty, students and other student organizations in University undertakings and to represent the women students in matters of general university interest...to create attitudes that will promote and maintain the highest standards of University life...to strengthen and broaden a sense of individual responsibility through participation in worthwhile projects and activities sponsored by AWS...and to promote the goals of the IAWS." Membership was composed of female students, though alumnae and female faculty members could achieve honorary membership. The AWS was affiliated with the Intercollegiate Association of Women Students, a national organization and sought to provide leadership opportunities for women students.