The University Archives serves as the official repository for all permanently valuable records of the University of California, Santa Barbara, to preserve our institutional memory.  In order to do so, the Archives focuses on collecting in three major aspects of University life: the administration, teaching and research, and student and community life.  The archives are intended to support UC’s commitment to instruction, research, and public service.
Student organizations play a vital role in the life of the University.  Student government allows students to have a voice in the academy, while student organizations can help to provide a sense of community and belonging among peers.  In order to document this important aspect of University life, the University Archives actively collects records from student groups and student government.

Collecting Priorities

Student organizations often produce records and publications that document student life, collective student activity, and the social climate of their times.  The University Archives is interested in collecting material that relates to the following topics:

Collecting Areas

  • The history and development of UCSB student organizations 
  • The missions and policies of student organizations 
  • Significant programs, activities, and events of student organizations 
  • Positions and actions of student governments and councils 
  • Organized student activism 
  • Student involvement in service activities

Archival Records

Examples of archival records:

  • Constitutions and bylaws, and other founding documents
  • Websites, newsletters, fliers, brochures, posters, and other publications
  • Annual reports
  • Correspondence that documents programs, activities, and events, including email
  • Meeting minutes and supporting documentation
  • Membership rosters 
  • Photographs, clippings, press releases, and scrapbooks

Examples of non-archival records:

  • Exact duplicate copies of anything
  • Routine correspondence, e.g., requests and acknowledgments
  • Records of routine matters, e.g., requests for leave, purchase orders, receipts
  • Reference files or research material, including news clippings, publications, and form letters of departments or organizations other than your own
  • Rough drafts of publications, articles or reports (in most cases)
  • Blank forms, letterhead, or other stationery

Excluded Materials

The University Archives does not collect records that contain information about individual student academic performance, records containing individual health or financial information, personnel information, or records related to crime and public safety.

University Archivist

Matt Stahl
mstahl@ucsb.edu