What Should I Send to the Archives?

The UWM Archives seeks to preserve and maintain an accurate and complete historical record of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Almost every office and department on campus produces records of historical significance, here defined as any record that documents the decision-making process, sets or interprets policy, or provides evidence of a major activity.

The below list, based on general records schedules for UWM, is intended to provide campus offices with an idea of the kinds of records the Archives is most interested in. It is not meant to be inclusive. If you have a record series that you think should be preserved permanently, please let us know.

Subject Files: Otherwise known as "program files," "office files," or "departmental files," these files may include correspondence, reports, memoranda and notes, publications, announcements, photographs, newspaper clippings, and other material related to particular subjects, projects, or correspondents.

As units create subject files in the course of business-related activities, the files naturally reflect the internal development and operation of office or departmental programs. Subject files constitute by far the bulk of the collections in the UWM Archives and are usually the richest records series from a researcher's standpoint.

Meeting Minutes: Minutes and associated material from ad hoc, standing, departmental, and task force committees, as well as from governance bodies such as the Faculty Senate and Academic Staff Senate.

Minutes are great resources for researchers who wish to track discussions regarding legislation, reports, budgets, program and curriculum planning, and other key aspects of campus life.

Publications: Programs, newsletters, leaflets, newspapers, catalogs, programs, posters, brochures and booklets, bulletins, and press releases produced by the University and its associated offices and departments.

These publications provide an important look at how events and programs around campus were advertised, and often produce some of the most colorful and exciting archival material.

Questions about anything on this site? Email the Records Officer or call Records Management at (414)-229-6979.