Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Title
Date(s)
- 1885-1981 (Accumulation)
Extent
2.73 linear feet (2 boxes)
Name of creator
Administrative history
Faculty meetings were held fairly regularly at South Dakota State University for the vast majority of its history. The president called together faculty, and proceeded to inform them of happenings both on campus and off. In the early years, these meetings were more than mere informational sessions. Faculty made decisions about policies and procedures, in addition to learning about things of import. As the college grew, however, meetings such as these became impossible to hold, and decision-making bodies like the Council of Deans evolved. Meetings were still held for informational needs however.
By the late 1940's, faculty seemed no longer satisfied with mere faculty meetings. Although they continued to attend the meetings, other campus organizations such as Faculty Association evolved to become advocates for the faculty. By the mid 1960's, even this group was not enough, and the Academic Senate began to form. According to President Emeritus H. M. Briggs, by this point in time the regular faculty meeting was more like a town meeting than anything else, with anyone who wanted to, showing up and eventually speaking. Attendance was not required, and the meetings were purely informational. By the early 1970's, meetings ceased to be held monthly, and were instead held each semester and as needed.
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
This collection is composed of the minutes from faculty meetings held at South Dakota State University from its inception up through the 1980's. These files are fairly complete; with large gaps being noted from fall 1898-Spring 1903 and June 1907-March 1918. Very few other minutes are missing, however. Included with some of the files are materials related to topics being discussed at the meetings, such as a petition by a student group, or a brochure from a campus event. For the most part, the contents of the minutes are fairly dry and businesslike, although some gems might be discovered with careful attention.
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use elements
Conditions governing access
This collection is open to researchers without restrictions.
The materials in the Archives do not circulate and may be used in-house only.
Researchers conducting extensive research are asked to make an advance appointment to access archival material. Please call or e-mail prior to visiting the collection and indicate as much detail as possible about a particular topic and intended use.
Physical access
Technical access
Conditions governing reproduction
South Dakota State University supports access to the materials, published and unpublished, in its collections. Nonetheless, access to some items may be restricted as a result of their fragile condition or by contractual agreements with donors.
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
Publication notes
South Dakota State University, Minutes, faculty meeting, 1942-1982
Call number: Archives: S537.S6 A2115