Students' Association Records

Identity elements

Reference code

SDSU-Archives UA 037

Level of description

Records

Title

Students' Association Records

Date(s)

  • 1910-2007 (Creation)

Extent

11.49 linear feet (18 boxes)

Name of creator

Administrative history

The Students’ Association at South Dakota State University was established in the early twentieth century as the official representative body of the student population. In its initial form, governance was exercised through a Board of Control elected annually by students and advised by the Dean of Men and Dean of Women. The Board oversaw student activities, addressed campus concerns, allocated student funds, regulated student councils, and managed student enterprises.

Over time, the organization evolved into a Student Senate model with expanded responsibilities in advocacy and shared governance. The Students’ Association serves as a liaison between students and university administration, the South Dakota Board of Regents, and other higher education entities. Composed of a Senate representing academic colleges and led by elected officers, the Association administers student activity fees, supports student organizations and services, and participates in institutional decision making on behalf of the student body.

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Scope and content

The Students’ Association Records document the administration, governance, finances, and policy activities of a student governing organization over much of the twentieth century, with particularly dense coverage from the 1970s through the 1990s. The materials include constitutions and by-laws spanning multiple decades, annual and final reports, handbooks, resolutions, election files, newsletters, and clippings that trace the evolution of student governance structures and priorities. Administrative files reflect a wide range of student concerns and services, including housing, health services, legal aid, alcohol policy, multiculturalism, student organizations, campus safety, and quality of student life.

Agendas and minutes record deliberations and decision-making processes, while Board of Control minutes, beginning as early as 1910, provide long-term continuity in oversight and institutional governance. Associated committee records document student participation in advisory and administrative bodies related to academics, student activities, athletics, food services, media, and campus-community relations. Financial records detail budgeting processes, activity fees, allocations, audits, and fiscal policy, illustrating how student funds were managed and contested over time. Subject files further contextualize these records within broader state, regional, and national higher education issues, including tuition, financial aid, legislative advocacy, student rights, and inter-university relations.

These records offer a comprehensive view of student governance as an evolving institution within the university, revealing how students organized, represented themselves, and negotiated authority with university administrators and external bodies. They are significant for understanding changes in student life, campus culture, and higher education policy across much of the twentieth century. Researchers will find particular value in the long chronological span of constitutions and minutes, the detailed financial documentation of student fees and budgets, and the subject files that situate local student concerns within statewide and national movements in higher education and student activism.

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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)

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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.
  • 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.

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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.

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