Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 1884-2011 (Creation)
Level of description
Extent and medium
11.26 linear feet [10 record boxes, 3 document cases
Context area
Name of creator
Administrative history
The Office of Records and Registration at South Dakota State University has served as the custodian of official academic records since the institution’s early years following its establishment as Dakota Agricultural College in 1881. Archival records of the office span 1884 to 2011 and document its longstanding responsibility for maintaining student enrollment data, academic histories, and institutional reporting. Historically, the office managed registration procedures, preserved official student records, and ensured compliance with academic policies as the university developed.
The office maintains records of enrollment, biographical data, grades, credits, and degrees awarded. It oversees course registration, assesses tuition and fees, issues transcripts upon written request, processes enrollment verifications, and monitors athletic eligibility. Additional responsibilities include preparing semester course schedules, assigning classrooms, providing enrollment and academic performance reports, coordinating graduation clearance with college deans, managing candidate lists, and assisting with commencement ceremonies. Over time, its record keeping practices have transitioned from manual systems to online registration and transcript services.
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
This collection contains records created and maintained by the Office of Records and Registration, documenting its core functions in academic scheduling, student enrollment tracking, commencement planning, and coordination with academic departments. The bulk of the collection consists of comprehensive course schedules spanning decades, catalogs, commencement programs, and enrollment statistics. Also present are short course circulars, committee meeting minutes (including the Committee of Deans and the Committee on Entrance Requirements), administrative correspondence, procedural manuals, and national reporting data such as IPEDS. The collection also includes records related to software implementation (DataTel STUDENT) and various guides related to registration and student services.
These records offer insight into the administrative and academic operations of South Dakota State University, particularly in how course offerings, student registration, and academic policies evolved over time. They are essential for understanding the university’s response to changing educational needs, technological advancements in registration systems, and national trends in enrollment and reporting. This collection supports research in institutional history, higher education administration, curriculum development, and student services.
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
System of arrangement
This collection is arranged into series:
- Series UA 22.0: Registrar's Records
- Series UA22.1: Enrollment Records
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
Information request form: Ask Us!
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.
Please contact us in advance so we can prepare for your visit.
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
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.
Language of material
English
Script of material
Language and script notes
Physical characteristics and technical requirements
Finding aids
Allied materials area
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related units of description
Notes area
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.