University of the Pacific

University Archives, 1851-present

Summary

Title:
University Archives
Dates:
1851-present
Creators:
University of the Pacific
Extent:
~1000 linear feet
Language:
Languages represented in the collection: English
Preferred citation:

University Archives. Holt-Atherton Department of Special Collections, University of the Pacific Library.

Background

Scope and content:

The University Archives contains papers and publications, together with histories, photographs, and ephemera, generated by the various administrative, faculty, and student branches of the University from its inception in 1851 to the present.

Materials are arranged in twelve record groups and may be accessed through on-site finding aids available in the Holt-Atherton Department of Special Collections.

Biographical / historical:

Founded on July 10, 1851, the University of the Pacific is California's oldest university. It was founded in Santa Clara as the California Wesleyan University but changed to University of the Pacific the following year. A privately endowed college, founded by leaders of the Methodist church, Isaac Owen, Edward Bannister, and William Taylor, the school provided both preparatory and college instruction. In 1871 the University began moving to its new College Park campus in San Jose and became the first coeducational campus in California. Napa College was consolidated in 1896 with the University of the Pacific and discontinued as a separate organization. In 1911 the name was changed to College of the Pacific – a name more appropriate to the size and limited liberal arts curriculum at the time. Due to intense competition for students in the Bay Area and the need for more land, the leadership under President Tully C. Knoles relocated the College to Stockton, California in 1924. A number of professional schools and programs were added over the years and in 1960 the College of the Pacific was renamed University of the Pacific.

Physical location:
For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the library's online catalog.
Rules or conventions:
Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: a Content Standard

Indexed terms

Subjects:
University of the Pacific - History
Universities and colleges - California

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Holt Atherton Special Collections Staff
Date Prepared:
© 2013
Date Encoded:
Machine-readable finding aid created by Nicole Mountjoy. Date of source: June 21, 2023.

Access and use

Restrictions:

Collection open for research.

Terms of access:

Permission for publication is given on behalf of Special Collections as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained by the researcher.

Preferred citation:

University Archives. Holt-Atherton Department of Special Collections, University of the Pacific Library.

Location of this collection:
University of the Pacific, Holt-Atherton Department of Special Collections, University Library
Stockton, CA 95211, US
Contact:
(209) 946-2404
Website

Contents

Series 1: Chief Administrative Units and Officers

Summary

Abstract:
Materials generated by the Board of Trustees/Regents; the President, and the various Vice-Presidents. These materials include 19th and 20th century minutes of Regents' meetings, and 20th century Presidential and Vice-Presidential correspondence and memos.

Series 2: Colleges and Schools

Summary

Abstract:
Materials generated by the schools and colleges and their deans. Includes the College of the Pacific (liberal arts programs), Conservatory of Music, Graduate School, Professional Schools (Business & Public Administration, Education, Engineering, Law, Pharmacy, Pacific Medical Center and the defunct Cluster Colleges). Published records include descriptive brochures, catalogues, and programs as well as departmental correspondence and memos.

Series 3: University-Wide Committees

Summary

Abstract:
Materials generated by the various administrative, faculty, and staff committees of the University including the President's Cabinet, Task Forces, Councils, Standing and Ad-Hoc Committees.

Series 4: University-Wide Functions and Functional Units

Summary

Abstract:
Records of the various functional units of the University. Materials consist both of memos and of published descriptive brochures and other similar materials. They are arranged in series according to which chief administrative officer oversees their activities.

Contents

1. Departments under the Academic Vice President: the Library; Registrar's Office; and Research & Sponsored Programs.

2. Departments under the Financial Vice-President: the Controller; Personnel; and Physical Plant.

3. Departments under the Executive Vice President: Public Safety; Audio-Visual; Information Technology; University Relations; Religious Life; Radio & Television; Admissions; and Financial Aids.

4. Departments under the Vice President for Development: Fundraising; and Parent & Alumni Programs.

5. Departments under the Vice President for Student Life: Career Planning & Placement; Student Advising and Counseling; Student Health Services; Housing; International Student Services; University Center; Food Service; Feather River Inn; Mail Room; Box Office; etc.

Series 5: Related Organizations

Summary

Abstract:
Materials related to the various organizations affiliated with the University such as fraternities, sororities, clubs, honor societies, and faculty associations. These materials include descriptive brochures, histories and ephemera, as well as unpublished correspondence and reminiscences.

Series 6: Records of Special Programs and Events

Summary

Abstract:
Materials pertaining to special programs, projects, proposals, workshops, conferences and other special events sponsored by the University. Includes descriptive brochures, memos, or event programs.

Series 7: Records of Individual Administrators, Faculty, and Staff

Summary

Abstract:
Items generated by individual administrators, faculty and staff.

Series 8: Records of Individual Students and Alumni

Summary

Abstract:
Items generated by individual students and alumni including clippings, reminiscences, diaries, scrapbooks, biographies, and ephemera.

Series 9: Athletic Program

Summary

Abstract:
Materials pertaining to the University's Athletic Program. Includes game programs, newspaper clippings, press books, statistical compilations, and some correspondence and memos.

Series 10: Serial Publications

Summary

Abstract:
Periodicals published by students, faculty, departments, schools, and functional units of the University. Includes directories, yearbooks, bulletins, newsletters, journals, newspapers, etc.

Series 11: University History and Early Records

Summary

Abstract:
Histories including period writings, catalogues, photographs, recordings, films, clippings, and early records pertaining to the history of the University and its various campuses, including now defunct Napa College. This record group contains 19th century financial records as well as student grades and attendance records and University catalogs, ephemera, photographs, recordings and film.

Series 12: Holt-Atherton Department of Special Collections

Summary

Abstract:
Correspondence, financial records, donor records, and projects files of the Holt-Atherton Department of Special Collections at the University Library.