Oregon State University Libraries
University Archives
121 The Valley Library
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR 97331-4501
Phone: 541-737-2165
Email: archives@oregonstate.edu
Web: http://osulibrary.oregonstate.edu/archives



Guide to the Associated Students of Oregon State University (ASOSU) Records, 1917-2006


RG 011





Finding aid prepared by Karl McCreary.

Finding aid encoded by, 2006
Funding for encoding this finding aid was provided through a grant awarded by the National Endowment for the Humanities.


Overview of the Collection

 
Repository Name:
 

Oregon State University Libraries
University Archives

121 The Valley Library
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR 97331-4501
Phone: 541-737-2165
Email: archives@oregonstate.edu
Web: http://osulibrary.oregonstate.edu/archives

 
Collection Number:
 

RG 011

 
Creator:
 

Associated Students of Oregon State University

 
Title:
 

Associated Students of Oregon State University (ASOSU) Records

 
Dates:
 

1917-2006 (inclusive)
1966-2000 (bulk)

 
Quantity:
 

29 cubic feet
33 boxes, including 6 oversize boxes
10 microfilm reels

 
Languages:
 

Materials in English. 

 
Summary:
 

The Associated Students of OSU Records document the administration of student government and its interaction with other campus organizations, offices, and bodies primarily for the 1960s through the 1990s.

 

Historical Note

The origins of student government at OSU are rooted in an 1897 campaign to fund the football team through the establishment of incidental fees. Although the College Board of Regents rejected this initial move toward the systematic funding of student activities, a student conference three years later set forth a proposed constitution and a set of bylaws for the establishment of a student governmental body that would have the power to institute and regulate student body fees. This proposal was approved by a vote of the student body and faculty in 1900 and resulted in the formation of the college’s first student government, at that time called the Student Assembly.

Structurally, the Assembly consisted of all enrolled students, but was governed by two bodies: the Executive Committee and the Board of Control. The Executive Committee was comprised of a president elected from the senior class, three vice presidents from each of the senior, junior, and senior classes, and a secretary. The Board of Control was made up of the Executive Committee, three faculty members chosen by the college President, and an alumnus appointed by the Alumni Association.

With its basic role of funding and managing student media, debate contests, athletics, and other campus activities, the assembly established a student body fee, which at first voluntary, became mandatory of all enrolled students by 1909. Final approval of student activity budgets and managerial appointments such as the campus newspaper and yearbook editorships were subject to the Board of Control and a General Manager who oversaw many aspects of the board. During the 1920s, the college dissolved the Board of Control and assigned management of student activities to new committees, such as the Student Affairs Committee and the Committee on Student Interests, established in large part to de-centralize authority over student affairs.

In 1948, the structure of the Associated Students of Oregon State (as it was known by this time) underwent a fundamental change with the introduction of a senate body vested with the power to introduce legislation, approve the ASOSC budget, make changes to the constitution and statutes, and recall any elected or appointed member of student government. The creation of the senate represented a major shift in policy for the Associated Students with decision-making power over student activities now residing with students elected by their peers rather than a board or committee. The constitution set the voting membership of the senate at one senator for each 500 students enrolled in the 11 schools that comprised the college and each school was guaranteed to be represented by at least one senator. The first senate consisted of 28 members. Although the constitution defines the president and other members of the executive branch as part of the senate, they did not have the power to vote for or introduce legislation.

In 1966, a judicial branch consisting of the Student Traffic Court and the ASOSU Justice Commission was added to student government. Vested with the power to review the constitutionality of all legislation introduced by the senate, the commission also served as the body for hearing grievances from ASOSU members about possible student election violations and legislation passed by the senate potentially deemed incompatible with the ASOSU constitution and statutes. Sometime in the 1980s, the commission was renamed the ASOSU Judicial Board, with essentially the same function.

To assist student government in working with student organizations, long-term strategizing, legal research, and other special projects with a perspective outside the senate and executive branch, ASOSU created the position of Student Advocate in 1986.

In 1994, ASOSU adopted a bicameral senate structure that gave graduate students voting status in a senate body of their own equal to their undergraduate counterparts. Membership in the Graduate Senate was set at one representative per 100 graduate students enrolled at OSU.

Content Description

The Associated Student of OSU Records document student government at Oregon State University and include records of the ASOSU Executive Branch, the ASOSU Senate, and the Graduate Student Senate. The ASOSU Records address the full range of issues that impact OSU students including fees and tuition, student activities, academic programs, athletics and intramurals, diversity and discrimination, campus security, and student housing.

Records of the Oregon Student Lobby, and its successor organization the Oregon Student Association, which advocates for all post-secondary students in Oregon through educational outreach to students and lobbying of the state legislature are also included.

Arrangement

The ASOSU Records consist of five subgroups: 1. ASOSU Executive Branch; 2. ASOSU Senate; 3. Graduate Student Senate; 4. Oregon Student Lobby; and 5. Oregon Student Association.

Administrative Information

Acquisition Information 

Records were transferred from ASOSU, the Memorial Union, Student Involvement, the Student Activities Center and other offices in many accessions from the mid-1960s through 2006.

Future Additions 

Additions to the collection are expected.

Use of the Collection

Restrictions on Access 

Collection is open for research.

Preferred Citation 

Associated Students of Oregon State University (ASOSU) Records (RG 11), Oregon State University Archives, Corvallis, Oregon.

Related Information

Related Materials 

The Student Assembly Records (RG 43) include minutes (1903-1923) and constitutions (1906-1920) of the initial student government at Oregon Agricultural College.

Documentation pertaining to ASOSU is also represented elsewhere in the holdings of the OSU Archives. Interaction between student government and administrative offices and academic departments on campus can be found in records of the following offices: President’s Office (RG 13), Student Affairs (RG 102), Library (RG 9), College of Engineering (RG 62), School of Education (RG 184), and the Department of Design and Human Environment (RG 28).

Images of ASOSU officers and events organized by student government can be found in several photographic collections: Associated Students of OSU (P 154), Harriet’s Collection, and Gwil Evans (P 82).

Subjects

Oregon State College--Students.
Oregon State System of Higher Education.
Oregon State University. Experimental College.
Oregon State University. Libraries.
Oregon State University. Library.
Oregon State University. Memorial Union.
Oregon State University--Graduate students.
Oregon State University--Parking.
Oregon State University--Students.
Oregon State University--Tuition.
Oregon. Legislative Assembly.
OSU Bookstore, Inc.
Campus police--Oregon--Corvallis.
Campus-based child care--Oregon--Corvallis.
Collective bargaining--College employees--Oregon.
College costs--Oregon.
College environment--Oregon--Corvallis.
College sports--Oregon--Corvallis.
College stores--Oregon--Corvallis.
College student government--Oregon.
College students with disabilities--Oregon--Corvallis.
College students--Oregon.
Minority college students--Oregon--Corvallis.
Rape--Oregon--Corvallis.
Rental housing--Oregon--Corvallis.
Student activities--Oregon--Corvallis.
Student aid--Oregon.
Student housing--Oregon--Corvallis.
Student movements--Oregon.
Students, Foreign--Oregon--Corvallis.
Total quality management in higher education--Oregon--Corvallis.
Universities and colleges--Employees--Labor unions--Oregon.
Universities and colleges--Faculty--Rating of--Oregon.
Universities and colleges--Security measures--Oregon--Corvallis.
Women--Education (Higher)--Oregon--Corvallis.
Corvallis (Or.)
Architectural drawings.
Maps.
Photographic prints.
Scrapbooks.
Surveys (documents).
Videotapes.
Other Creators :
Associated Students of Oregon State College.
Associated Students of Oregon State University. Senate.
Oregon State University. Graduate Student Senate.
Oregon Student Association.
Oregon Student Lobby.

Detailed Description of the Collection

 

Subgroup 1:  ASOSU Executive Branch Records, 1917-2006

The materials in Subgroup One were generated and collected by members of the executive branch of ASOSU, which includes the president, vice presidents, task force directors, and the student advocate. Reflecting the administration of student government and its interaction with OSU and other regional stakeholders in higher education, these series document the work of ASOSU committees and task forces, publicity about student government, conduct of surveys, collection of information on ASOSU and general topics in higher education, the management of student incidental fees, and the development of services/programs embracing student diversity.
The ASOSU Executive Branch Records consist of sixteen series: I. Correspondence; II. Committees; III. Task Forces; IV. ASOSU Staff Meeting Minutes; V. Membership Rosters; VI. Subject Files; VII. Constitutions and Statutes; VIII. Reports; IX. Handbooks and Manuals; X. Surveys; XI. Newspaper Clippings; XII. Scrapbooks; XIII. Publications; XIV. Notes; XV. Speeches; and XVI. Films and Videotapes.
 
 
Container(s)
Description
   
Series I:   Correspondence, 1972-1999
 
Primarily made up of correspondence, Series I also contains newspaper clippings, publications, and reports. This series documents interaction between ASOSU officers, the senate, the student advocate, and various offices/groups on campus regarding policy development, student government management, and student advocacy. Subjects addressed in this series include: revisions to the ASOSU constitution, campus alcohol regulations, University long range planning, ASOSU retreats, child care for students and staff, ASOSU structural reorganization models, the Student Activities Center, the OSU Cultural Centers, and the field training class for ASOSU members
 
box
1


Affirmative Action Office, 1989-1995
 


ASOSU Reorganization Models, 1993
 


ASOSU Senate, 1973-1996
 
2 folders
 


ASOSU Task Forces, 1978-1994
 


ASOSU Treasurer, 1983
 


Campus Alcohol Policies, 1972-1988
 
2 folders
 


Campus Lighting Studies and Plans, 1979-1990
 
27

Campus Outdoor Lighting Plan and Map, 1979
 
apx 12x17 in.
   
Child Care on Campus
 
1

General, 1972-1997
 
4 folders
 


"Our Little Village" Proposal, 1996-1998
 
27

Architectural Drawing of OSU Cooperative Child Development Center, 1997
 
apx 12x17 in.
 
1

Committee Selection, 1978-1994
 


Constitutional Revisions, 1981-1994
 
3 folders
 


Course Guidebook, 1976-1979
 


Elections, 1994
 


Field Training Class (PS 406H) for ASOSU Members, 1992-1993
 


General, 1985-1997
 


Goals-Setting Sessions, 1987-1988
 


Graduate Student Senate, 1992
 


Interpretation Services for the Deaf, 1981-1985
 


Legal Cases, 1996-1998
 


Memorial Union, 1980-1998
 


OSU Cultural Centers, 1990-1998
 
2

OSU Long Range Planning, 1987-1989
 


OSU Presidents, 1990-1997
 


(ASOSU) President/Vice President, 1972-1999
 
6 folders
 


Retreats, 1973-1998
 
2 folders
 


Senate Handbook Development, 1987
   
Student Activities Center, 1983-1995
 


Faculty /Student Interaction Program Ideas, 1992-1993
 


General, 1989-1994
 


Student Clubs and Honorary Societies, 1985-1995
 


Summer Term Review, 1983
   
Student Advocate, 1987-1997
 


Athletics Funding, 1988
 


Credit Hour Requirement for Government Participation, 1987
 


Credit Union for Students, 1987
 


Department Student Conduct Procedure Information Survey, 1987
 


General, 1987-1994
 


Oregon Administrative Regulations Governing Student Organizations/Activities, 1993
 


Social Advocacy Outreach, 1989-1992
 


Univ. Minority Achievement Scholarship Program, 1997
 


Student Affairs Office, 1997
 


Student Fee Grievances at Other Colleges/Universities, 1994-1997
 


Student Government at Other Colleges/Universities, 1972
 


Student Job Services, 1985
 


University Fees, 1984
 


Unlimited Student Services Inc., 1986-1988
 
2 folders
 
3

Vice President for Committees, 1986-1990
   
Series II:   Committees, 1927-2006
 
Series II relates to the work of ASOSU and university committees. Topics explored by these committees and boards include: student incidental fees, computer usage, university convocation planning, alcohol policies, recreational sports, the OSU Bookstore, student body elections, the ASOSU Judicial Board, the Memorial Union, prevention of sexual assault, bike use on campus, and student health insurance. Among the materials that make up these committee records are constitutions, correspondence, meeting minutes and agendas, reports, budget proposals and requests, newspaper clippings, publications, and reports. Documentation of student incidental fee management can be found in the records of the Educational Activities Committee, Student Fees Committee, and the Student Educational Activities Board. Budget requests in the files of the Executive Committee pertain to annual funding for ASOSU personnel and task forces.
 


Academic Affairs, 1973-1983
 


Academic Deficiencies Committee, 1980-1990
 


Academic Honesty Committee, 1983-1984
 


Academic Integrity Subcommittee, 1993-1994
 


Academic Regulations Committee, 1987-1994
 


Ad Hoc Committee Reviewing the CLA Report, undated
 


Ad Hoc Committee on Senate Resolution 47-R-015, 1988
 


Ad Hoc General Education Committee, 1972-1976
 


Ad Hoc Traffic and Safety Committee, 1982
 


Advancement of Teaching Committee, undated
 


Alcohol Policy Study Committee, 1985-1986
 
2 folders
 


Appropriations and Budgets, 1974-1998
 


Associated Students Advisors Round-Table, 1993
 


ASOSU Ad Hoc Committee on Activity Grants, 1972-1983
 


ASOSU Ad Hoc Committee on the Constitution, 1987-1988
 


ASOSU Elections Committee, 1973-1997
 
2 folders
 


ASOSU Get Out the Vote Committee, 1994
 


ASOSU Judicial Board, 1985-1997
 
2 folders
 


ASOSU Recreational Sports Facilities Feasibility Study Committee, 1998
 


ASOSU Safety Committee, 1987
 


ASOSU Senate Ad Hoc Committee on the Contingency Fund, undated
 


ASOSU Spirit/Rally Committee, 1973-1983
 


Athletic Advisory Committee, 1986-1998
 
2 folders
 


Athletic Bands Financial Planning Committee, 1985
 


Athletic User Fee Subcommittee, 1985-1988
 


Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission, 1997-1998
 


Bike Committee, 1992-1993
 


Board of Physical Recreation, 1976
 


Board of Recreational Sports, 1992-1997
 
3 folders
 


Budgets and Fiscal Planning Committee, 1989-1993
 


Calendar Conversion Council, 1987-1988
 


Campus Plan Committee, 1970-1990
 


Chairperson's Committee, 1976-1989
 
4

Commencement Committee, 1986-1991
 
2 folders
 


Committee on Advising, 1972
 


Committee for an ASOSU Affirmative Action/Minority Action Plan, 1990-1991
 


Committee on Committees, 1982-1992
 


Committee on Counseling, 1972
 


Committee to Evaluate President John Byrne, 1989
 


Committee Mission Statements and General Information, 1974-2005
 
28

Committee Mission Statements and General Information, undated
 
4

Commuter Student Committee, 1993
 


Corvallis Citizen's Advisory Commission on Transit, 1997
 


Course Guidebook Study Committee, 1977
 


Cultural Center Advisory Board, 1987-1988
 


Drug and Alcohol Resource Team, 1991-1993
   
Educational Activities Committee
 


Budget Requests and Proposals, 1976/1977-1995/1996
 
18 folders
 
5

Budget Requests and Proposals, 1995/1996-2004/2005
 
4 folders
 


Budget Statements/Recommendations, 1974/1975-1997/1998
 
3 folders
 


Bylaws, 1995
 


Correspondence, 1978-1996
 
2 folders
 


Meeting Minutes, 1971-1998
 
5 folders
 


Organizational Manuals, 1989-1990-1994/1995
 


Reports, 1974-1986
 


Examinations Committee, 1988-1990
   
Executive Committee, 1980-2005
 


Budget Requests, 1980/1981-2004/2005
 
10 folders
 


Correspondence, 1981-1993
 
6

Meeting Agendas and Minutes, 1980-1998
 
5 folders
 


Executive Director for Committees, 1993-1994
 


Facilities Planning and Use Committee, undated
 


Faculty Senate Instructional Media Committee, 1993
 


Financial Aid Committee, 1980
 


Healing Center Fundraising Event Committee, 1998
 
reel
7


Junior-Senior Prom Committee, 1962-1968
 
box
6


Judicial Board Selection Committee, 1994
 


Library Committee, 1974-1986
 


Long Range Planning Subcommittee, 1974-1977
 


Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Committee, 1995-1996
 


Memorial Union Board of Directors, 1980-2000
 
3 folders
 


Memorial Union Board Subcommittee for Progress, 1996
 


Microcomputer Subcommittee, 1985-1990
 
3 folders
 


Mom's Weekend Committees, 1996
 


OSU Bookstore Board of Directors, 1982-1992
 
6 folders
 
7

OSU Bookstore Board of Directors, 1991-2001
 
4 folders
 


Parking Committee, 1991-1998
 


Physical Operations Committee, 1972-1973
 


President's Cabinet, 1998
 


President's Commission on Hate Crimes and Hate-Related Activity, 1994-1998
 


President's Commission on Human Rights and Responsibilities, 1984-1985
 


President's Council, 1989-1990
   
Publications Committee, 1931-1943
 
Pertains to selection of staff for the Barometer campus newspaper.
 
reel
9


Minutes, correspondence, recommendations, petitions for office, 1931-1943
 


Audit Report - Associated Students, 1933-1935
 
box
7


Rape Prevention Coordinating Committee, 1986-1990
 


Rental Housing Code Steering Committee, 1997-1999