Summer Session records, 1898-2006

Creator:

Columbia University. Summer Session

Abstract:

This collection consists of records regarding the Summer Session, started in 1900.

Extent:

4.81 linear feet 2 document boxes and 4 record cartons

Language:

English .

Scope and content:

This collection consists of the correspondence relating to a proposed summer school in 1898, administrative records of the Summer Session, and the Summer Session bulletins or announcements.

Biographical / historical:

In December 1898, President Seth Low sent a circular to the Columbia faculty. He proposed a working plan for a summer school: daily sessions would run during six consecutive weeks; each course would meet daily from Monday to Friday; instructors would receive two-thirds of the student fees and one-third would be retained for administrative expenses. In the letter, faculty were asked if they were inclined to offer any courses, and, if so, which courses and the length of each course in hours per week. Faculty had one week to submit their reply.

With the Trustees' conditional approval, Columbia offered its first summer session in 1900 with 29 courses and 417 registered students, under the guidance of Director of Summer Session Nicholas Murray Butler. The following year, 1901, Columbia offered 43 courses to 581 students. In 1904, the Summer Session was granted permanent status (no longer needing the yearly Trustee renewal) and it was formally incorporated into the University statutes.

Acquisition information:: The Series I materials were transferred to the University Archives by Joseph Kissane, from the Summer Session Director's Office, School of General Studies, 418 Lewisohn Hall, in July 1994. (1994.006)
Processing information:: This collection was processed by Joanna Rios. Finding aid written by Joanna Rios in June 2019.
Arrangement:: This collection is arranged in three series.
Accruals:: No additions are expected.
Rules or conventions:: Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Related material:: For materials related to the establishment of the Summer Session, please consult the Minutes of the Board of Trustees (UA#0019); in the Faculty Meeting Minutes (UA#005), look for the minutes of the University Council; and Angus Burrell's A History of Adult Education at Columbia University (CE1954 G286).

Access and use

Restrictions:

This collection has no restrictions.

The following box is located offsite: Box 1. You will need to request this material from the Rare Book and Manuscript Library at least three business in advance to use the collection in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room.

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); Summer Session records; Box and Folder number (if known); University Archives, Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Libraries.

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