Oakland University Archives and Special Collections
OU.HISTORY.DOCS
Table of Contents
Summary Information
- Repository
- Oakland University Archives and Special Collections
- Title
- Historic Oakland University Documents collection
- ID
- OU.HISTORY.DOCS
- Date [inclusive]
- 1956-1970
- Extent
- 5.0 Linear feet
- Language
- English
Preferred Citation
Item, folder title, box no., Historic Oakland University Documents, Oakland University Archives.
History
Oakland University -- originally Michigan State University - Oakland -- opened its doors in 1959 on a brand new campus carved out of the Meadow Brook Estate, with 2 buildings, 24 faculty and about 570 students. Durward B (Woody) Varner became its first Chancellor. The new MSUO was intended to be an elite liberal arts branch of MSU. Its curriculum was designed from the ideas put forward during the Meadow Brook Seminars -- a series of workshops held at Meadow Brook Hall with academic leaders from the best institutions in the country.
Scope and Contents
This collection brings together documents of multiple origins relating to the early history of the university, from its planning and founding to its development in the years following its opening.
These documents deal with the planning of the future university in the 1956-1959 period (box 1). This includes the Meadow Brook Seminars, a series of meetings held at Meadow Brook Hall in 1959 to discuss the curriculum of the future university (box 2). Additional materials document the establishment of the university in 1959-1960 (box 3). Curriculum development is also addresssed (box 4) as well as student life (box 6). The collection includes press releases, brochures and other promotional material produced by the young institution (box 6). Finally some materials deal with the 1963-1973 period (box 7).
Administrative Information
Publication Information
Oakland University Archives and Special Collections
Kresge Library100 Library Drive
Rochester, MI, 48309
Access and Use
The Historic Oakland University Documents collection is open for research except for certain records restricted by statute or university policy. Box 6 contains confidential information, and some folders are closed for 75 years from date of creation or until death of subjects.
Copyright
Copyright held by Oakland University.
Processing
Processed by Linda Hildebrand. Updates by Dominique Daniel
Collection Inventory
Box 1 |
Box 1 |
|||
|
Matilda Wilson College of Michigan State University. December 28, 1956 General noteA rough draft of a proposal, author unknown, sent to MSU President John Hannah, D.B. Varner, J.H. Denison. The proposal envisions the establishment on the Meadowbrook Farms of the Matilda Wilson College of MSU. |
||||
|
House concurrent resolution no. 5 January 24, 1957 General noteA concurrent resolution of appreciation and acceptance of the gift of Mr. and Mrs. A.G. Wilson of Meadow Brook Farms, and a cash endowment to Michigan State University of Agriculture and Applied Science. |
||||
|
Selected Population Characteristics of Oakland and Macomb Counties, Michigan. January 1957 15 leaves |
||||
|
Oakland Macomb County Advisory Committee - correspondence, minutes. March 1957 |
||||
|
Michigan State University Branch Survey: Oakland and Macomb Counties. May-June 1957 22 leaves General noteMSU, in close cooperation with local school systems is conducting a survey of needed community college and university programs in this area. |
||||
|
Planning for future post-secondary educational needs in Oakland and McComb Counties: tentative draft of study outline. ca.1957 |
||||
|
Post secondary education in Oakland - Macomb Counties: Summary. ca. 1957 |
||||
|
Adult Education Needs in Oakland-Macomb Counties. June 1957 12 leaves |
||||
|
A compilation of data concerning the need for post-secondary education in the Oakland-Macomb County Area. September 1957 3 folders |
||||
|
Information on Michigan State University - Oakland. 1958 3 leaves |
||||
|
Minutes and correspondence of the University Community Planning and Development Study Committee. 1958-1959 |
||||
|
Information and Reconnaissance Survey: Area Development Study--Avon and Pontiac Townships and Michigan State University Oakland. October 1958 General notePrepared by the Area Development Study Group, Institute for Community Development & Services, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI. |
||||
|
Development Plan for M.S.U. - Oakland. Harold W. Lautner, Campus Landscape Architect, Michigan State University. December 8, 1958 General noteIncludes tentative development plan for the campus, Floor plans for Faculty Housing and a lot layout for the Faculty Subdivision. 2 added copies with some missing pages. |
||||
|
Administrative Procedures for matters concerning the Planning and Development of the “University Community”, Avon and Pontiac Townships, Oakland County Michigan. April 1959 General notePrepared by Avon-Pontiac Townships Regional Planning Commission and the Institute for Community Development and Service, Michigan State University. |
||||
|
Minutes of the Avon Pontiac Townships Regional Planning Commission. 1959-1961 General noteIncludes occasional mentions of MSU-O and plans for the area near the university. |
||||
|
MSUO Purposes |
||||
|
Building Needs. Memos from D.B. Varner. March 7 and 26, 1960 |
||||
|
Maps. General noteMeadowbrook Farms; Building areas; Campus development plan |
||||
|
Map. Proposed layout plan: Intramural, dormitories & student center. September 6, 1961 [11.5” x 11.5”] |
||||
|
Landscaping - Nursery at MSUO. Memo. September 25, 1959 |
||||
|
University Development Analysis / developed and prepared by Swanson Associates, Inc. Architects and Planners. 18 leaves |
||||
|
|
||||
Box 2 |
Box 2 |
|||
|
Meadow Brook Seminar materials. Agendas, notes, supplementary materials, reports. |
||||
|
|
||||
Box 3 |
Box 3 |
|||
|
Correspondence re: the establishment of MSU - O. Dec. 4, 1956-Feb. 25, 1959 |
||||
|
MSUO Administrative Group. Minutes. Additional memos. 1959-1966 |
||||
|
Memos to Varner -- MSU Board actions relating to MSUO. 1958-1960 |
||||
|
Memorandum relating to Michigan State University - Oakland. ca. 1958 5 leaves General noteThe situation in higher education; Factual information about the program proposed at MSUO; Financial data. |
||||
|
Mailing address for MSU-O to be Rochester, Michigan. August 7, 1958 |
||||
|
Michigan State University - Oakland Budget request ca. 1958 6 leaves |
||||
|
RE: Application for a bank account for MSU-O. June 26, 1959 |
||||
|
MSUO Personnel: Lists of faculty and staff and classified employees. 1959-1961 |
||||
|
Organization of the University. 1960 |
||||
|
University Committees. 1960 |
||||
|
New faculty memo from Robert Hoopes, Dean of the Faculty. April 26, 1960 |
||||
|
Name changed to Oakland University February 1963 General notePress release and photocopies of newspaper clippings. |
||||
|
|
||||
Box 4 |
Box 4 |
|||
|
MSUO Curriculum Committee Report December 1957 16 leaves General note1. Introduction: the Committee and its objectives. 2. Minimum degree requirements. 3. Subcollegiate instruction. 4. General education curriculum. 5. Business administration curriculum. 6. Teacher education curriculum. 7. Engineering curriculum. 8. Science and arts curriculum. |
||||
|
Curriculum Development. Memos and proposals. 1957-1961 |
||||
|
Suggested Curriculum for MSUO. (Draft of Curriculum - MSU-O). May 22, 1959? |
||||
|
Curriculum - Michigan State University - Oakland. May 22, 1959 5 copies General noteIntroductory comments; Purposes; The curriculum development process; Some general guidelines in the curriculum development; From guidelines to specifics; The liberal studies program; Teacher education; Business administration; Engineering science; The continuing education program. Also includes the synthesis and summary documents from the Meadow Brook Seminars on Higher Education and a list of member of the MSUO Foundation. |
||||
|
Degree requirements. (Proposed) April 26, 1960 |
||||
|
Trimester information. General noteProposed trimester plan for Oakland University, (no date); Newspaper clippings concerning the trimester proposal; Correspondence. |
||||
|
Honors Program (proposed) [no date] |
||||
|
Miscellaneous papers. |
||||
|
Michigan State University - Oakland : it's programs. ca. 1963 |
||||
|
Educational Policy Committee Minutes and Memos. (Curriculum) |
||||
|
|
||||
Box 5 |
Box 5 |
|||
|
MSU Press Release: 12:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 3, 1957. Wilson Gift of estate to MSU for branch college. Dept. of Information Services, Michigan State University. Jan. 3, 1957 5 leaves |
||||
|
MSU Press Release: June 25, 1958. Establishment of the Michigan State University Oakland Foundation. June 25, 1958 |
||||
|
MSU Press Release: July 7, 1958. Establishment of the Michigan State University Oakland Continuing Education Center. July 7, 1958 |
||||
|
MSU Press Release: March 25, 1959. Public relations program for MSU-O -- information plan. March 25, 1959 6 leaves |
||||
|
MSUO Press Release: Sept. 20, 1961. Meadow Brook Hall to host ball to raise scholarship funds. Sept. 20, 1961 2 leaves |
||||
|
“Construction begins on Oakland Branch", The Quarterly Record of Michigan State University. Spring Quarter 1958. p. 1-2. 1958 |
||||
|
MSU Reporter. Issues containing information about MSU-O. 1958-1959 General noteA. "Michigan State University Oakland." June 1958, cover, p. 4-5 B. "MSU-O - a report of progress." October 1958. p. 16-17 C. "MSU-O on schedule for 1959 opening." November 1958. p. 7 D. "Building curricula at MSU-O: Business administration." January 1959. p. 4-5 E. "Building curricula at MSU-O: Liberal arts." February 1959. p. 4-5. F. "MSU-O: a new approach to higher education. September 1959. p. 2-3. |
||||
|
Introducing Michigan State University - Oakland. [Promotional brochure] ca 1958 [1 page, folded in thirds] |
||||
|
Introducing MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY -- OAKLAND: Engineering, Teacher education, Business administration, Liberal arts. 1958 6 leaves General noteTo begin with a tradition, by John A. Hannah, Curriculum and facilities, An appraisal by the press, Location, A summary of facts about MSU--O. |
||||
|
The story of a new kind of university as Time has told it: Michigan State University Oakland. Reprint of Time article that appeared in the Sept. 28, 1959 issue. Sept. 28, 1959 |
||||
|
This is Michigan State University Oakland: MSU’s new sister school. A reprint from the Michigan State University Magazine. November 1959. [16 p.] il. November 1959 6 copies |
||||
|
A gift . . . and a challenge to you and your community. [Promotional brochure] 1959. 8 p. 1959 |
||||
|
Facts about MSUO’s buildings and campus. ca. 1960 2 leaves |
||||
|
MSUO. [Promotional brochure. folded sheet.] ca. 1960 |
||||
|
Michigan State University Oakland Rochester [Promotional brochure] ca. 1960-1 [20 p.] il. 1960-1961 3 copies |
||||
|
Michigan State University Oakland. [Promotional brochure]. 1961 folded sheet |
||||
|
Michigan State University Oakland Fact Sheets. January 30, 1961 and September 15, 1961 |
||||
|
Trimester--a richer future sooner at MSUO [Promotional brochure] 1961 folded sheet |
||||
|
Emblems & Motto (Various design prototypes). General noteFolder contains information on the proposed motto and official seal [no date]. |
||||
|
On-to-College nights - Michigan State University Oakland. Sponsored by the Community Relations Committee of the MSUO Foundation. [no date] |
||||
|
Facts about the Campus and Buildings. [16 p.] (prototype for a brochure?). 1962 |
||||
|
Guide to the Curriculum. [Promotional brochure] 8 p. ca. 1961 |
||||
|
A gift -- and a challenge to you and your community. Michigan State University - Oakland Scholarship brochure prototype. Text for an 8 page, 2 color brochure. Summer, 1959 11 leaves |
||||
|
Memos concerning student publications & university communication needs. |
||||
|
Memos concerning publicity. |
||||
|
Speeches? Three envelopes containing note cards for speeches, possibly Chancellor Varner's notes. |
||||
|
George Matthew's (History) Brief history of Oakland University Prepared for the University Planning Committee. November 17, 1977 14 leaves |
||||
|
George Matthew's (History) unfinished History of Oakland University, chapters 1-3. Handwritten and typed but still in draft format. |
||||
|
University Brochures - miscellaneous subjects 1961-1965? |
||||
|
|
||||
Box 6 |
Box 6 |
|||
|
Application for Admission, Acceptance. 1959-1960 Access and Use noteThis folder contains confidential information. Closed for 75 years after creation or death of subjects. |
||||
|
Alumni College brochure |
||||
|
Testing: Entrance and Placement. ca. 1959 |
||||
|
Fall Quarter Report on Student Affairs 1959 46 leaves. 2c General noteContents: Dean of Students, Counseling and testing, Physical education, recreation and intramural athletic, Report on land usage, Activities, Health Services, Student Center, Student publications, University Bookstore. |
||||
|
Book list, spring term 1960 |
||||
|
Freshmen Conference April 28, 1960 |
||||
|
MSUO Student Directory, 1961-1962 1961-1962 Scope and Contents notePrinted as a service by your Student Government, Bruce Plaxton chairman; Mickey McWilliams and Ron Miller. [48 pages] |
||||
| Box | ||||
|
Student Directory Cover Art 1962-1963 |
6 | |||
|
Student Recruitment (Folder with speeches & other information). 1961 |
||||
|
Student Information Bulletin. 12 p. September 1, 1962 |
||||
|
Student life at Oakland University. ca. 1962 2 leaves |
||||
|
Constitution of the Student Body of Michigan State University Oakland (proposed) 6 leaves. Constitutional amendments (proposed) 2 leaves |
||||
|
Charter Class job offers. Photocopies of newspaper articles. 1963 10 leaves |
||||
|
Master Number List from the Office of the Registrar. -- All students. From 0001 to 7499 1959-1965 Access and Use noteThis folder contains confidential information. Closed for 75 years after creation or death of subjects. |
||||
|
Student Identification cards. Samples. Access and Use noteThis folder contains confidential information. Closed for 75 years after creation or death of subjects. |
||||
|
ROTC and AFROTC. Correspondence dealing with the requirements of a ROTC program. 1958 22 leaves |
||||
|
Student Housing in a Congenial New Form. 1960? MSUO: a new pattern, 48 students in a house. 1961? [Promotional brochure] (Anibal, Fitgerald, Pryale and Hill). 1960-1961 |
||||
|
MSUO Reports. Press clippings from local newspapers profiling a number of OU students 1960-1964 21 leaves |
||||
|
Charter Class graduates. Press clippings from local newspapers 1963 |
||||
|
Michigan State University Oakland Freshman Bulletin. May, 1962. 52 p. May, 1962 |
||||
|
Proposed housing regulations. Memos 1961 |
||||
|
Student Scholarships - memos and contacts list. |
||||
|
University Christian Fellowship of MSU-O. Organization chart. 1 leaf |
||||
|
Optimum size of student body for present campus: preliminary report June 14, 1963 4 leaves |
||||
|
Lower Quartile Project, 1962. Report on academic performance of freshmen, by David Lowy. May, 1963. 1962-1963 4 leaves |
||||
|
Michigan State University Oakland. Ground-Breaking Ceremonies [8 p.]**** May 2, 1958 |
||||
|
Convocation of Charter Class. Program, September 17, 1959. 28 p. Speeches by Chancellor D.B. Varner, Thomas H. Hamilton, Robert Hoopes. Newspaper clipping. Also preliminary planning document. September 17, 1959 10 typewritten leaves |
||||
|
Invitation to a convocation for the parents of the members of the charter class, Sept. 20, 1959. |
||||
|
Convocations of the Freshman Class of Michigan State University Oakland. Sept. 15, 1960, Sept. 4, 1963. Programs. Also newspaper clippings about convocations 1960-1964. 1960-1964 |
||||
|
Campus Activities, 1959-1962. Folder of invitations, programs available to students. 1959-1962 |
||||
|
Scholarship Banquet. |
||||
|
Annual Recognition Dinner for the Continuing Education Faculty, MSUO. “A new concern for an old problem,” by Durward B. Varner, Chancellor. An address presented May 26, 1961. 12 p. May 26, 1961 |
||||
|
Promote Michigan Week. April/May 1961 |
||||
|
Detroit Horse Show June 20-25, 1961. For the benefit of the Scholarship Fund of MSU-O. June 20-25, 1961 |
||||
|
Saturday Seminars: Intellectual Adventures for High School Students. 1961-1962 |
||||
|
Culture Internationale. 1962. (Folder contains Planning Committee memos and list of contributors.) 1962 |
||||
|
Annual Recognition Dinner: Academic Honors and Awards. Program. March 8, 1962. March 14, 1963. |
||||
|
Commencement. April 20, 1963. Charter Class. General noteFolder contains : 1) Invitation; 2) Order of procession of graduates; 3) Programs -7 copies; 4) Newspaper clipping from the Pontiac Press, Apr. 22, 1963.] 5). Commencement music informational leaflet. |
||||
|
Commencement. April 18, 1964. Program. |
||||
|
Convocation of the Clergy - Friends of MSUO. Wednesday, Oct. 7, 1959. "A continuing education program." |
||||
|
Pontiac Centennial 1961 |
||||
|
Correspondence concerning Mr. Dang Xich Lan, an international student from Laos. 1960 Access and Use noteThis folder contains confidential information. Closed for 75 years after creation or death of subjects. |
||||
|
Graduate Placement 1963 and 1964. |
||||
|
Women's Regulations - Housing handbook 1964-65 |
||||
|
|
||||
Box 7 1963-1964 |
||||
|
Oakland University history, 1963-1964 |
||||
|
Oakland University history, 1964-1965 |
||||
|
Oakland University, 1966-1967 |
||||
|
Circle K (Kiwanis) Club of Oakland University 1967 |
||||
|
Oakland University history, 1968-1969 |
||||
|
Annual reports - physical plant, grounds, convocation and graduation 1967-1968 |
||||
|
Guidelines for Continuing Physical Development - By Johnson, Johnson & Roy, Landscapes Architects 1971 General noteBooklet; Includes oversize map, "Long Range Physical Development Plan - Oakland University" |
||||
|
Proposal for change at Oakland University 1969 |
||||
|
Oakland University history, 1969-1970 |
||||
|
Report on “Early Goals of Oakland” 1970 Scope and ContentsCovers the first 10 years of Oakland University |
||||
|
Oakland University history, 1973-1974 |
||||
|
Commendation from Oakland County |
||||
|
Planning Commission, Planning Cycle Procedure Manual ca 1970 |
||||
|
MSUO Business Office Policies and Procedures 1961-1968 |
||||
|
Hollie Lepley, "The Oakland University Story: Physical Education, Recreation, and Intramural Sports, Intercollegiate Athletics" 2/11/1984 4 page typescript |
||||
|
|
||||
Box 8 |
||||
|
OU's independence 1970 |
||||
|
|
||||
Oversize materials |
||||
| Map-case | Drawer | |||
|
OU Charter Class 1963 picture in frame |
1 | B | ||
|
Signed Birthday Card from Fitzgerald House n.d. |
1 | B | ||
|
Signed Birthday Card 1962 |
1 | B | ||
|
Signed Birthday Card 1963 |
1 | B | ||
|
Signed Poster Board Birthday Cards undated 6 cards |
1 | B | ||
|
|
||||
| Box | ||||
|
Scrapbook - James Wolfe 1964 Scope and Contents note:Scrapbook of James Wolfe, 1964 alum; containing photos, newsclippings, correspondence, and University publications. |
9 | |||