Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Title
Date(s)
- 1978-2010 (Creation)
Extent
7.63linear feet (1 half-document case, 7 record boxes, 1 document case)
Name of creator
Administrative history
University College, formerly known as the College of General Studies, offers advising services to undecided students and provides programs that promote academic and professional success. Originally called the “Junior College” under Student Services, it served students who did not meet standard admission requirements. In 1949, it was renamed the “Office of Student Personnel and Terminal Courses,” with advising undeclared students formally added to its mission in 1969.
In 1970, admissions, records, and student personnel merged into the Division of Student Services. The Office of General Registration, part of this division, was designated a non-degree-granting college by the Board of Regents in 1974, under the leadership of Dr. Arnold Menning, and launched its first course, UC 101.
By 1984, the College of General Registration had merged with the Department of Placement and relocated to Medary Commons, serving around 600 students. In 2001, it became the “College of General Studies and Outreach Programs” and was authorized to offer Bachelor of Science degrees in Applied Technical Sciences and Liberal Studies, as well as an Associate of Arts in General Studies. The college also introduced a leadership minor in 2008, along with specializations and pre-professional programs. Career Planning Services was added in 1977, and the Wintrode Tutoring Program was launched in 2005.
In 2011, the college shifted focus to supporting at-risk students and increasing first-year retention and graduation rates. That year, it piloted the Academic Success Program and transitioned to “University College,” with Career Planning Services moving to Student Affairs. The First-Year Advising Center (FYAC) and Supplemental Instruction component of the Wintrode Tutoring Program were also introduced.
Currently, the Wintrode Student Success Center houses the FYAC, Wintrode Tutoring (including Supplemental Instruction), the Academic Success Program, and a Peer Mentoring Program. West Hall hosts the University College Dean and faculty, delivering courses such as First Year Seminar, Academic and Career Exploration, Mastering Lifetime Learning Skills, and READ 041.
In spring 2013, University College launched the Exploratory Studies Program, offering students a structured path to explore academic fields and select a major with greater confidence and informed decision-making.
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
The University College Records document the development, administration, and activities of South Dakota State University’s University College and its predecessor units responsible for general registration, academic advising, career planning, student success initiatives, and assessment. The materials span from 1968 to 2018 and include annual reports, program reviews, self-studies, statistical data, course materials, advising handbooks, strategic planning documents, assessment summaries, enrollment reports, accreditation materials, workshop files, faculty profiles, student profiles, and records related to academic support services. The records also document relationships with state agencies, job service programs, workforce development councils, and higher education centers. Formats include correspondence, reports, handbooks, schedules, posters, brochures, tallies, budgets, data summaries, meeting materials, institutional reviews, and electronic files.
These records provide documentation of the evolution of academic advising, general studies programming, student support services, and career planning at South Dakota State University. They reflect institutional responses to statewide workforce initiatives, accreditation requirements, changing general education standards, and student success priorities. The collection is significant for understanding the administrative history of University College, the development of advising and retention strategies, and SDSU’s participation in statewide and regional higher education collaborations.
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use elements
Conditions governing access
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In Copyright This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
Materials in this collection may be subject to Title 17, Section 108 of the United States Copyright Act. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with copyright, privacy, trademark, and other applicable rights for their intended use. Obtaining all necessary permissions is the user's responsibility. Written authorization from the copyright and/or other rights holders is required for publication, distribution, or any use of protected materials beyond what is permitted under fair use. .sdstate.edu/sdsu-archives-and-special-collections/researcher-registration-form)
The collection is open for research, but please note that the materials in the Archives do not circulate and can only be used In the SDSU Archives and Special Collections Reading Room.
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If you cannot visit the Archives in person, please reach out to us. We will do our best to help you find the information you need.
In most cases, the materials in this collection have not been digitized and are not available online.
South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections supports access to the materials in its collections. However, access to some items may be restricted due to their fragile condition, donor agreements, or other considerations.
If you would like to know more about the contents of the collection, please contact the SDSU Archives at: Telephone: 605-688-5094 Email: arcrefs@sdstate.edu
Physical access
Technical access
Conditions governing reproduction
Reproduction of materials from the collection is subject to the following conditions:
- Permission: Written permission must be obtained from the SDSU Archives for any reproduction, publication, or quotation of materials.
- Copyright: Users are responsible for complying with copyright laws and securing any necessary permissions from copyright holders.
- Fragile Materials: Some items may not be reproduced due to their fragile condition.
- Charges: Reproduction charges may apply, and users will be informed of any costs in advance.
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Acknowledgment: Any reproduced material must include proper acknowledgment of the South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections as the source.
For more information or to request permission, please contact the SDSU Archives.
Languages of the material
English
Scripts of the material
Language and script notes
Finding aids
Acquisition and appraisal elements
Custodial history
Immediate source of acquisition
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling information
Accruals
Related materials elements
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related archival materials
Related descriptions
Notes element
General note
Copyright and Use Statement
In Copyright This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
Materials in this collection may be subject to Title 17, Section 108 of the United States Copyright Act. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with copyright, privacy, trademark, and other applicable rights for their intended use. Obtaining all necessary permissions is the user's responsibility. Written authorization from the copyright and/or other rights holders is required for publication, distribution, or any use of protected materials beyond what is permitted under fair use.