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Core Collections

Core Collections are comprised of information about the university itself, including its physical plant, administration, academic units, activities, programs, and people. 

University records are organized into nine record groups that serve as a working outline for organizing historical university information. Explore the record groups as listed below, or use the search bar at the top right of this page to search for keywords within the resources listed within the core collections website. 

Need specific information or a place to start your research?  Explore our archival materials or Ask an Archivist for research assistance.  We are here to help!

 


 

Physical and Legal Structure

Records created externally and internally that relate directly to the foundational structure of the university, from establishing the school as an agency of the State of Texas to acquiring physical property and setting a legal structure in which to operate. 

 

Campus Community

Records that document the culture and identity of the university, including its traditions, ceremonies, celebrations, services, resources, publications, and supporting organizations.

 

Administration

Records produced by the administrative functions of the university, including those that provide direction, governance, planning, and ongoing management of daily operations and business functions. 

 

Academics

Records produced by the academic functions of the university, including those that directly support the general curriculum, individual courses, academic progress, or assist with teaching and learning functions.  Note: The University Archives does not maintain student records.

 

Students

Records that document the non-academic opportunities available to students, including university services and extracurricular activities.

 

Media and Artifacts

Materials produced by or about the university that have special storage, preservation, and access needs. Examples include oral history interviews and the postcard collection.

 

Collected Materials

This series consists of artificial collections of information about people, places, and topics related to the university.  The majority of materials originated with the university news service, which maintained publication morgue files for approximately three decades.  Examples include the LBJ Collection and the Aquarena Springs collections.

 

Personal Papers

This series consists of donations from individuals that supplement the historical record of the university and provide primary source materials for other in-depth research.  Donors include alumni, faculty, staff, and administrators.

 

Town and Gown / Local History

This series consist of materials that document local history as well as the relationship of the University to the city of San Marcos, whether that connection is explicitly stated or implicit in nature.