Developing Department, School or College Histories for the University of Maryland's 150th Anniversary

Provided by The University History and Research Working Group

PREAMBLE: There are no strict guidelines on content or presentation of unit histories. However, below are some best practices to consider, along with some campus examples that already exist:

A. Content --

1. Encapsulated-- If the history can be encapsulated into areas of interest or segments of time, smaller sections can attract targeted readers. Consider sections that cluster around:
   • notable people, such as alumni, faculty, students.
   • major accomplishments or milestones of the program, department, school or college.
   • decades in your unit's history.
   • teaching and the development of the field/the curriculum and its evolution.

   An example from the Department of Aerospace Engineering.

2. Textually Interesting -- Consider this a public document; make the history interesting to read. Leave the details for a more detailed, internal document. The public history should feature the highlights, challenges, even the unexpected.
   • Think of the history as a story or narrative.
   • Use a timeline, outline, or other literary forms as appropriate.

   An example from the University Archives is University of Maryland A to Z: MAC to Millennium.

   Another example is from the A. James Clark School of Engineering. This website provides a "guided tour" of the School's history.

3. Visually Inviting --
   • Consider designing your history using the 150th Anniversary logo.
   • Also consider using images (documents, photographs, or memorabilia) available in the department/college/school, the University Archives, or from alumni and retired faculty and staff.

4. Accurate -- Use reliable sources and compare information from various sources to verify accuracy.
   • In addition to consulting with the University Archives staff, the University Archives has a number of sources that can assist in the development of department or college histories.
     • departmental/college records and publications
     • faculty papers
     • Records from the University Senate
     • Records from the Provost's office
     • Records from the President's office
     • Past yearbooks (they often featured college histories)
     • undergraduate and graduate catalogs
     • past issues of the Diamondback on microfilm
   • Assistant University Archivist, Suzanne Linebaugh, is developing a resource guide listing all sorts of University records and other resources in the Archives and Manuscripts Department, to assist you in preparing a department school/ college history. Look for this guide to be launched on the Web.
   • Check the University of Maryland's libraries' online catalog; it contains entries for some unit publications and official files.
   • The Washington Post Historical Database is available through Research Port on the UM Libraries homepage. You can search the database for articles relating to your unit and/or its faculty, staff, students and alumni.

   • Consider conducting oral histories of faculty, administrators and or alumni. Use these suggested sample oral history topics [PDF] as a guide.

5. Contextual --
   • Consider incorporating the theme of the 150th anniversary and the future role of the research university. The following text is extracted from the Coordinating Committee's White Paper on the 150th Anniversary Celebration. [PDF]

     Theme

     President Mote, along with the Coordinating Committee, developed a theme for the 150th Anniversary Celebration. The yearlong program should incorporate the theme into all activities and events. The theme of the Anniversary Celebration is:"Celebrating the University of Maryland: A Model of The Modern Research University"

     Participating campus units will design Anniversary Celebration activities to highlight the University's excellence and innovation, and also showcase how the University personifies the qualities of The Modern Research University. Characteristics include:
     1. Ranks among the elite but is not elitist
     2. Has a bright and engaged student population
     3. Has alumni who are do-ers in society
     4. Has diversity that reflects society at-large
     5. Focuses education on enlightened citizenry and societal impact
     6. Commits to access and outreach as a land grant institution
     7. Has congenial and collegial staff and faculty
     8. Benefits the state, region, and nation
     9. Connects and engages in society
     10. Focuses on the future
     It is important to recognize that the theme of the Celebration is the University of Maryland as a "model" of The Modern Research University rather than a Celebration of The Modern Research University itself. Anniversary Celebration activities, events, and communications will support this theme.

     Example: History of The Robert H. Smith School of Business

   • Provide context of national and state events and trends where possible.
   • If your unit has an international presence, ensure that it is reflected accordingly.

6. Multi-functional -- Make this investment of time and effort deliver in multiple ways. Think of other uses for a departmental or college history, such as:
   • background for grant and award applications
   • background for department or college reviews, be they campus or external accreditation reviews.
   • as components of a promotional piece, to present highlights to various publics, e.g. donors, alumni, future students both graduate and undergraduate.
   • as an opportunity to gather a lot of information that may exist in several areas of the department or college into one document
   • As a record that future deans and department chairs can refer to (for example, at the 200th anniversary.)

B. Formats -- Think about presenting the history in a variety of formats.

• Web (allows for the inclusion of audio and/or video clips e.g. oral histories.)
• Brochure or other hard-copy publication, e.g. insert to a magazine or other departmental or college publication.
• CD,DVD, or other audiovisual medium.
• Exhibit (temporary or permanent.)

C. Preservation -- Upon conclusion of compiling the history, gather all documents used and submit them, together with a copy of the finished document or Web file, to the University Archives. Contact the University Archivist, Anne Turkos (5-9060) for information on how to submit your finished product.

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