Office of Orientation (University of Michigan) records, 1925-1995 (majority within 1928-1946)

Summary

Creator:

University of Michigan. Office of Orientation.

Abstract:

University of Michigan office responsible for programs to help students adjust to college life. Records include reports from various university offices and organizations with responsibility for orientation; correspondence and pamphlet material; and printed works directed toward incoming students and their families.

Extent:

1.5 linear feet

Language:

English

Call Number:

90191 Bimu D9

Authors:

Finding aid created by Matthew Schaefer, September 1990 Marilyn M. McNitt, March 1994 (printed)

Background

Scope and Content:

The Office of Orientation records document, somewhat unevenly, the efforts of the administration of the University of Michigan to ease the transition from high school student to university undergraduate. These records consist of correspondence and published materials sent to incoming students and reports of the various offices involved in orientation. The strength of this record group derives from the face presented by the university in these first documents given to its students. It is illuminating to note what advice the university deems essential for new students, but the tone of presentation is more telling.

The Office of Orientation records span the years 1925-1990, but primarily cover the years 1928-1946. The records came to the library in good order and are organized into three groups: Administration, Orientation Period, and Printed Materials.

Researchers interested in visual images of the orientation process should consult the University of Michigan News and Information Services collection for negatives on freshman week in 1930 and orientation in the 1950s and 1960s.

Biographical / Historical:

The Office of Orientation has its origin in the Freshman Week created by University of Michigan President C.C. Little in 1927. Little, noting the high attrition rate of Michigan freshmen and acting on the advice of Registrar Shirley Smith, created Freshman Week as an orientation period. Its objectives were to guide incoming students in course selection, to test their intellectual and psychological aptitudes, and to ease the transition from the safety of home to the uncertain life at a large university. The week initially consisted of eight days of activities offered only to freshmen, but this proved too lengthy and too narrow in scope. By 1930 the week was reduced to five days and the scope expanded to include orientation of transfer students. The Office of Orientation served its vital function for the University of Michigan, guiding the first halting steps of initiates to the campus community.

In a 1995 reorganization of student services, the Office of Orientation became part of the newly created Office of New Student Programs.

Acquisition Information:

Materials transferred in two accessions in 1990 by the Office of Orientation (Donor No. 7671/7842 ).

Accruals:

No further accessions are expected.

Rules or Conventions:

Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS)

Subjects

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Subjects:

College student orientation -- Michigan.

Formats:

College publications.

Names:

University of Michigan -- Students.
University of Michigan. Office of Orientation.