Division of Budget and Finance Records

22.42 linear feet (23 boxes, 17 ledgers)

This collection documents the financial operations and budget planning activities of South Dakota State University from the late 19th century through the early 21st century. The records include accounting documentation, correspondence, vouchers, payroll, ledgers, reports, deposit receipts, internal management reports, and budget requests. These materials span numerous funding sources such as the Adams Fund, Hatch Fund, Morrill Fund, Experiment Station Fund, General Fund, Endowment Fund, and State Fund, as well as internal and external operational budgets and appropriations.

The records offer detailed insights into the fiscal administration of the university’s academic, agricultural, and residential programs. Particularly notable are materials related to the early management of campus dormitories (1908–1910), ledgers on tuition and fees dating back to the 1880s, and correspondence between university officials and state and federal agencies, including the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Records reflect a wide array of university functions—from student labor and faculty payroll to equipment purchases and travel expenses—and include budget requests for major divisions such as the Agricultural Experiment Station, Cooperative Extension Service, and SDSU Auxiliary Services.

This collection is a resource for understanding the financial history and institutional development of South Dakota State University. It provides essential documentation of how public funds, federal appropriations, and internal budgets were allocated to support higher education, research, and infrastructure at a land-grant university. The materials also highlight the university’s relationship with state and federal governments, especially during the periods of expansion in the early 20th century and post-World War II. Researchers interested in public higher education finance, agricultural funding through federal programs, and South Dakota’s educational policy history will find this collection particularly valuable.

This collection in arranged into series:

• UA 18.1. Accounting Records
• UA 18.2: Budget Requests and Financial Reports

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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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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

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.
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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.