Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Title
Date(s)
- 1958-2021 (Creation)
Extent
2.26 linear feet (3 document cases, 1 record box)
Name of creator
Administrative history
South Dakota State University was established in 1881 as Dakota Agricultural College, with its first building completed in 1884. As the campus expanded through the early twentieth century, additional academic and administrative structures were constructed, including the Agricultural and Administration Building, later known as Morrill Hall, built between 1911 and 1918. Significant physical growth occurred during the mid twentieth century, particularly from the 1950s through the 1970s, as enrollment increased and the institution transitioned from a college to a university. Subsequent decades included continued development of academic, residential, and student facilities.
The Physical Plant was established as a service organization to support the university’s operations by maintaining buildings, grounds, and infrastructure. Funded through state appropriations and service charges, the unit provided building maintenance, custodial services, utilities operation, mail delivery, moving services, security, waste disposal, key and lock management, pest control, facilities engineering, event setup, and liaison services for construction and remodeling projects. In 2008, the Physical Plant was renamed Facilities and Services, continuing responsibility for the operation, maintenance, and development of the university’s physical environment.
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
This collection documents the operations, services, and development of Facilities and Services (formerly the Physical Plant) at South Dakota State University. Records span a wide range of topics including campus infrastructure, departmental services, safety, sustainability initiatives, and administrative operations.
Materials include documentation related to academic buildings, the Central Farm Barn, campus maps, organizational charts, departmental profiles, annual and construction reports, service guides, work order forms, and forms related to signage, carillon performances, and parking permits. Security-related content includes multiple security reports, police department information, and campus safety pamphlets, along with historical and regulatory documentation concerning parking and traffic from 1958 to 1991.
Guidelines and procedures for central mailing services are detailed, along with newsletters, announcements, and facts about the Physical Plant’s operations. Notably, the collection contains a historic restroom hand and face dryer from Wecota Hall.
A significant portion of the collection focuses on sustainability efforts at SDSU. This includes correspondence, reports, brochures, posters, planning documents, recycling guides, committee records, and budget materials related to environmental stewardship. Topics covered include the university’s recycling and waste management initiatives, sustainability curriculum and events such as Green Fest and the Wellness Fair, and documentation of SDSU’s recognition as a STARS Silver Institution by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education. The collection also includes a record of outreach programs such as the Spruce Up SDSU campaign and Tiny House Tours.
The collection provides insight into the evolution of campus facilities management at SDSU, reflecting institutional priorities in infrastructure maintenance, security, sustainability, and environmental responsibility. It documents both daily operations and long-term planning, highlighting the department’s role in supporting the university’s physical and ecological footprint.
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use elements
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
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.