Columbia University Senate Records, 1968-2008

Creator:

Abstract:

Records of the University Senate, a governing body established by Columbia in 1969, consisting primarily of minutes, correspondence, reports, meeting agendas, and resolutions concerning various campus and academic issues. The records date primarily from 1969 to 2004 and are organized by committee or subcommittee and then arranged chronologically.

Extent:

79.5 linear feet 64 record cartons

Language:

English .

Scope and content:

Records of the University Senate and its composite parts (e.g., committees, subcommittees, task forces, panels, ad hoc committees, etc.) consisting primarily of agendas, minutes, proposals, reports and correspondence. One will also find handwritten notes, newspaper clippings, press releases and publications used by members of the Senate for background information.

Biographical / historical:

Following the events of April and May 1968, urged by students and faculty alike, the University administration began revising long-established policies to include input from other members of the University community.

In response to the unprecedented disciplinary needs resulting from the strike and the April 30 arrests, the general faculty passed a resolution calling for the creation of a Joint Committee on Disciplinary Affairs (JCDA). Officially established on May 2, the Committee maintained a body of seven elected faculty members, seven elected student members, and three appointed administrators for two-year terms. The JCDA established the Interim Rules, which governed the University during the 1968 crisis through June 4, 1973, when the Trustees adopted the Rules of University Conduct, dissolved the JCDA and replaced it with a similar body. The Rules of University Conduct are still in effect today.

After the turmoil on campus, many argued that a representative body for all University constituents would be the best way to begin repairing the damage inflicted upon the University during 1968. At the Joint Faculties meeting on September 12, 1968, Law School professor Michael Sovern outlined a proposal for a University Senate that would be dominated by the faculty, but student and trustee pressure helped bring about a more equitable proposal.

The final proposed senate would consist of 100 members: 42 tenured faculty, 17 non-tenured faculty, 20 students, 7 administrators, 6 representatives of affiliated institutions, 6 staff representatives, and 2 alumni representatives. The president of the University would preside over the Senate. The Senate would be, according to the proposal"a policy-making body which may consider all matters of University-wide concern and all matters affecting more than one faculty or school.

The Senate effectively replaced the University Council (12 May 1890- 28 May 1969) which was created to give representation to the faculties and the administration in one central body, enabling them to address the Trustees jointly rather than separately.

Custodial history:

Records of the University Senate were transferred to the University Archives in September 2014. Two boxes of materials (now part of Series II) were previously transferred to the University Archives at an unknown date and were integrated into this broader collection.

Processing information:

Papers processed by University Senate staff and two student workers in Summer 2014.

Finding aid written by Jocelyn Wilk in October 2014.

Arrangement:

These records are arranged primarily by entity (committee, subcommittee, task force, panel, ad hoc committee, etc.) in a chronological basis. In order to maintain integrity of information and the committee's original intent, sub-folders appear in cases where sub-folders were used as part of the original filing system. Documents within a folder have been organized chronologically in the absence of another organizational structure.

Accruals:

Additions to this collection are expected

Related material:

Related Columbia University Collections: University Protest and Activism Collection (UA#0007) Central Files (UA#0001)

Access and use

Restrictions:

On the advice of Columbia University General Counsel's Office, University Senate records, in line with those of University Trustees, are closed for 50 years from the date of creation. Senators and researchers who wish to gain access to records which are still under restriction should consult "The Guidelines on Confidentiality and Release of Information by Senate Committees": http://senate.columbia.edu/archives/reports_archive/10-11/confidentiality_guidelines_4-29-11.html.

This collection is located off-site. You will need to request this material at least three business days in advance to use the collection in the Rare Books and Manuscript Library reading room.

Terms of access:

Single photocopies may be made for research purposes. The RBML maintains ownership of the physical material only. Copyright remains with the creator and his/her heirs. The responsibility to secure copyright permission rests with the patron.

Preferred citation:: Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Columbia University Senate Records; Box and Folder; University Archives, Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.

Location of this collection:: Columbia University Archives

University Archives Home Page
6th Floor East Butler Library
535 West 114th Street
New York, NY 10027, USA
Before you visit:: Researchers interested in viewing materials in the RBML reading room must must book an appointment at least 7 days in advance. To make the most of your visit, be sure to request your desired materials before booking your appointment, as researchers are limited to 5 items per day.

Contact:: uarchives@columbia.edu

Collection