University Council records, 1890-1969

Summary Information

At a Glance

Description

Summary

This collection consists of the minutes and correspondence files of the University Council (1890 to 1968).

Using the Collection

Rare Book and Manuscript Library

Restrictions on Access

You will need to make an appointment in advance to use this collection material in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room. You can schedule an appointment once you've submitted your request through your Special Collections Research Account.

Material is unprocessed. Please contact rbml@columbia.edu for more information.

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 Book and Manuscript Library reading room.

One box of University Council correspondence is closed for fragility pending processing.

Terms Governing Use and Reproduction

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.

Related Materials

There are five boxes of duplicate University Council minutes in this unprocessed collection. University Council minutes are available for use via Faculty Meeting Minutes (UA#0005)

About the Finding Aid / Processing Information

Columbia University Libraries, Rare Book and Manuscript Library

Processing Information

Collection-level record describing unprocessed material made public in November 2018 as part of the Hidden Collections initiative.

Subject Headings

The subject headings listed below are found in this collection. Links below allow searches at Columbia University through the Archival Collections Portal and through CLIO, the catalog for Columbia University Libraries, as well as ArchiveGRID, a catalog that allows users to search the holdings of multiple research libraries and archives.

All links open new windows.

Subject

History / Biographical Note

Historical Note

The University Council was introduced in 1890 as an advisory body to the University President, in particular to all matters affecting the Master's and the Doctoral degrees, "the correlation of courses, the extension of university work in new and old fields, and generally as to such matters as the President brings before it." This advisory body was made up of representatives from the different faculties (originally, Law, Mines, Political Science, Philosophy and Dean of the School of the Arts). 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. The University 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.