The origins of student government at OSU are rooted in an 1897 campaign to fund the football team through the establishment of incidental fees. Although the College Board of Regents rejected this initial move toward the systematic funding of student activities, a student conference three years later set forth a proposed constitution and a set of bylaws for the establishment of a student governmental body that would have the power to institute and regulate student body fees. This proposal was approved by a vote of the student body and faculty in 1900 and resulted in the formation of the college’s first student government, at that time called the Student Assembly.
Structurally, the Assembly consisted of all enrolled students, but was governed by two bodies: the Executive Committee and the Board of Control. The Executive Committee was comprised of a president elected from the senior class, three vice presidents from each of the senior, junior, and senior classes, and a secretary. The Board of Control was made up of the Executive Committee, three faculty members chosen by the college President, and an alumnus appointed by the Alumni Association.
With its basic role of funding and managing student media, debate contests, athletics, and other campus activities, the assembly established a student body fee, which at first voluntary, became mandatory of all enrolled students by 1909. Final approval of student activity budgets and managerial appointments such as the campus newspaper and yearbook editorships were subject to the Board of Control and a General Manager who oversaw many aspects of the board. During the 1920s, the college dissolved the Board of Control and assigned management of student activities to new committees, such as the Student Affairs Committee and the Committee on Student Interests, established in large part to de-centralize authority over student affairs.
In 1948, the structure of the Associated Students of Oregon State (as it was known by this time) underwent a fundamental change with the introduction of a senate body vested with the power to introduce legislation, approve the ASOSC budget, make changes to the constitution and statutes, and recall any elected or appointed member of student government. The creation of the senate represented a major shift in policy for the Associated Students with decision-making power over student activities now residing with students elected by their peers rather than a board or committee. The constitution set the voting membership of the senate at one senator for each 500 students enrolled in the 11 schools that comprised the college and each school was guaranteed to be represented by at least one senator. The first senate consisted of 28 members. Although the constitution defines the president and other members of the executive branch as part of the senate, they did not have the power to vote for or introduce legislation.
In 1966, a judicial branch consisting of the Student Traffic Court and the ASOSU Justice Commission was added to student government. Vested with the power to review the constitutionality of all legislation introduced by the senate, the commission also served as the body for hearing grievances from ASOSU members about possible student election violations and legislation passed by the senate potentially deemed incompatible with the ASOSU constitution and statutes. Sometime in the 1980s, the commission was renamed the ASOSU Judicial Board, with essentially the same function.
To assist student government in working with student organizations, long-term strategizing, legal research, and other special projects with a perspective outside the senate and executive branch, ASOSU created the position of Student Advocate in 1986.
In 1994, ASOSU adopted a bicameral senate structure that gave graduate students voting status in a senate body of their own equal to their undergraduate counterparts. Membership in the Graduate Senate was set at one representative per 100 graduate students enrolled at OSU.
The Associated Student of OSU Records document student government at Oregon State University and include records of the ASOSU Executive Branch, the ASOSU Senate, and the Graduate Student Senate. The ASOSU Records address the full range of issues that impact OSU students including fees and tuition, student activities, academic programs, athletics and intramurals, diversity and discrimination, campus security, and student housing.
Records of the Oregon Student Lobby, and its successor organization the Oregon Student Association, which advocates for all post-secondary students in Oregon through educational outreach to students and lobbying of the state legislature are also included.
The ASOSU Records consist of five subgroups: 1. ASOSU Executive Branch; 2. ASOSU Senate; 3. Graduate Student Senate; 4. Oregon Student Lobby; and 5. Oregon Student Association.
Collection is open for research.
Associated Students of Oregon State University (ASOSU) Records (RG 11), Oregon State University Archives, Corvallis, Oregon.
Records were transferred from ASOSU, the Memorial Union, Student Involvement, the Student Activities Center and other offices in many accessions from the mid-1960s through 2006.
Additions to the collection are expected.
The Student Assembly Records (RG 43) include minutes (1903-1923) and constitutions (1906-1920) of the initial student government at Oregon Agricultural College.
Documentation pertaining to ASOSU is also represented elsewhere in the holdings of the OSU Archives. Interaction between student government and administrative offices and academic departments on campus can be found in records of the following offices: President’s Office (RG 13), Student Affairs (RG 102), Library (RG 9), College of Engineering (RG 62), School of Education (RG 184), and the Department of Design and Human Environment (RG 28).
Images of ASOSU officers and events organized by student government can be found in several photographic collections: Associated Students of OSU (P 154), Harriet’s Collection, and Gwil Evans (P 82).
The materials in Subgroup One were generated and collected by members of the executive branch of ASOSU, which includes the president, vice presidents, task force directors, and the student advocate. Reflecting the administration of student government and its interaction with OSU and other regional stakeholders in higher education, these series document the work of ASOSU committees and task forces, publicity about student government, conduct of surveys, collection of information on ASOSU and general topics in higher education, the management of student incidental fees, and the development of services/programs embracing student diversity.
The ASOSU Executive Branch Records consist of sixteen series: I. Correspondence; II. Committees; III. Task Forces; IV. ASOSU Staff Meeting Minutes; V. Membership Rosters; VI. Subject Files; VII. Constitutions and Statutes; VIII. Reports; IX. Handbooks and Manuals; X. Surveys; XI. Newspaper Clippings; XII. Scrapbooks; XIII. Publications; XIV. Notes; XV. Speeches; and XVI. Films and Videotapes.
Primarily made up of correspondence, Series I also contains newspaper clippings, publications, and reports. This series documents interaction between ASOSU officers, the senate, the student advocate, and various offices/groups on campus regarding policy development, student government management, and student advocacy. Subjects addressed in this series include: revisions to the ASOSU constitution, campus alcohol regulations, University long range planning, ASOSU retreats, child care for students and staff, ASOSU structural reorganization models, the Student Activities Center, the OSU Cultural Centers, and the field training class for ASOSU members
Series II relates to the work of ASOSU and university committees. Topics explored by these committees and boards include: student incidental fees, computer usage, university convocation planning, alcohol policies, recreational sports, the OSU Bookstore, student body elections, the ASOSU Judicial Board, the Memorial Union, prevention of sexual assault, bike use on campus, and student health insurance. Among the materials that make up these committee records are constitutions, correspondence, meeting minutes and agendas, reports, budget proposals and requests, newspaper clippings, publications, and reports. Documentation of student incidental fee management can be found in the records of the Educational Activities Committee, Student Fees Committee, and the Student Educational Activities Board. Budget requests in the files of the Executive Committee pertain to annual funding for ASOSU personnel and task forces.
Pertains to selection of staff for the
Series III documents the work of ASOSU task forces and includes correspondence, budget requests, handbooks, meeting minutes and agendas, legislative bills, mission statements, notes, publications, and reports. The foci of these task forces include environmental activism; international affairs; the Saferide campus night shuttle; the OSU Experimental College; state government legislation; ethnic, gay, and disabled students; study notes; graduate students; curriculum policies; and city affairs.
Series IV consists of minutes from ASOSU staff meetings and includes attendance sheets and agendas.
The rosters in Series V list ASOSU members and their positions in the senate, executive branch, committees, and task forces. There are also organizational charts of the administrative structures of ASOSU and the Memorial Union in this series.
The subject files in Series VI are comprised of materials collected from a variety of OSU service units, student councils and clubs, academic programs, and advisory bodies, as well as regional and state organizations, such as the Oregon State System of Higher Education, the Governor’s Task Force on Education and the Economy, the Corvallis City Council, and the Oregon Student Public Interest Research Group. Arranged by office of origin and topic, this series documents a number of subjects, including rental housing in Corvallis, racial discrimination at OSU, students with disabilities, access to birth control, selective service, gay and lesbian students, and graduate student collective bargaining. This series is made up of constitutions and bylaws, correspondence, flyers, meeting minutes, newspaper clippings, publications, and reports.
Beaver Preview provides the opportunity for high school students to visit the OSU campus. This report of the Beaver Preview of 1955 was compiled by DallasW. Norton, Personnel Coordinator. Included were news clippings, pictures, and publications as well as reports on the different phases and problems of the Beaver Preview. Labeled as Series 2 on microfilm.
OSU and other campuses.
OSU and other campuses.
OSU and other campuses.
Dads' Weekend has been held annually since 1934 and offers an opportunity for the fathers of OSU students to visit their sons and daughters at college. The Dads' Weekend Report is prepared each year by the general chairman (a student). It contains reports of each committee and recommendations to next year's chairman. Labeled as Series 3 on microfilm.
(OSU and other campuses)
OSU and other campuses.
Offered by the Lambda Chi Fraternity.
The Foster Parents Plan was developed by the Class of 1963 as a way to donate money to a child in Hong Kong. The records include class discussion that led up to the decision, correspondence and details about the sponsored child, and correspondence and monetary arrangements with the sponsor organization. The plan was begun in December of 1961 and ended in May 1963 when the class graduated. Labeled as Series 4 on microfilm.
The report was written by Marjorie Parsons and Darrell Blake, co-chairmen and contains suggestions for future dance planning. Labeled as Series 5 on microfilm.
These reports include lists of people involved in planning the event, suggestions for the future, reports by committee chairmen, and publications, press releases, programs, and newsclippings. The 1926 report is very short, but the remainder are complete. Labeled as Series 6 on microfilm.
These reports contain suggestions for future proms and reports by the various committee chairmen. Programs, announcements, and pictures are also included. Labeled as Series 7 on microfilm.
The Mayhem is an annual play presented by the Associated Independent Students. This report for 1958 contains suggestions for future plays by the producer, director, and others involved in the play production. Labeled as Series 8 on microfilm.
The Mothers' Weekend reports were written by the mothers who were chosen to coordinate this function and include reports from each committee concerned with the event. The purpose of each reporty was to provide a reference for future mothers who would lead Mothers' Weekend. Labeled as Series 9 on microfilm.
(for citizenship class)
These reports provide references for future picnics. Reports of each committee are included as well as news clippings and publicity. Labeled as Series 10 on microfilm.
These reports contain committee reports, news clippings, and publications. A large part of the reports are devoted to explaining responsibilities and giving suggestions for future Cotillions. Labeled as Series 11 on microfilm.
OSU and other campuses.
OSU and other campuses.
Series VII contains ASOSU constitutions and statutes.
The reports in series VIII include annual reviews and audits of ASOSU compiled by student body presidents, vice presidents, treasurers, and others which document budget information, legislative accomplishments, program development, and structural changes. Other reports in this series pertain to ASOSU strategic planning, the Student Activities Center, ASOSU field training classes, higher education in Oregon, volunteer services at OSU, and the position of ASOSU Student Advocate.
American Association of State Colleges and Universities
Oregon Educational Coordinating Commission
By ASOSU for Oregon Student Lobby.
OSU Human Resource Dept. draft proposal.
Don McIlvenna and Darold Wax.
Graduate student intern Melissa Crabtree.
Higher Education 2010 Advisory Panel
Series IX is made up of handbooks and manuals generated for ASOSU officers and senate members that outline election campaign guidelines, define senatorial duties and obligations, committee participation, management of educational activities funds, and the correct observance of parliamentary laws.
Series X pertains to surveys conducted for ASOSU gauging student and faculty/staff opinion on a variety of different topics, including: incidental fee priorities, computer usage, evening study areas, Library use, child care needs on campus, parking, and Student Activities Center programs. Mostly consisting of completed survey forms and summary reports, this series also contains correspondence and notes.
Series XI consists of newspaper and magazine clippings primarily collected from the
Primarily made up of newspaper clippings from the
The publications in Series XIII were generated by ASOSU to publicize general information about student government, events organized by ASOSU, Student Activities Center services, student body elections, and rental housing in Corvallis. In addition to brochures, flyers, newsletters, posters, and voter guides, examples of student graphic design work for flyers and publications can also be found in this series.
OSU Graduate Program in Student Services Administration
Drafts of flyer and publication designs.
Series XIV consists of handwritten and typed notes generated by various ASOSU senators and officers that document meetings, to-do lists, drafts of publications, and questions for future inquiry.
The speeches in Series XV are presidential addresses to the student body.
The videotaped recording in Series XVI documents a Gripe Forum organized by ASOSU in 2000.
Subgroup Two documents the legislative work of the ASOSU Senate and includes bills and resolutions, meeting minutes and agendas, notes, and narrative reports by senators.
The ASOSU Senate Records consist of three series: I. Meeting Minutes; II. Bills and Resolutions; and III. Senatorial Reports.
These records include minutes, bills passed, financial reports, and projects of each session. The 1st through 13th sessions are missing and the remainder are somewhat incomplete. Each session had its first meeting near the end of the school year, usually sometime in April or May and its last meeting about the same time the following year, e.g. 20th Senate Session -- first meeting, May 4, 1960 - last meeting, April 26, 1961. Labeled as "Series 1" on microfilm.
Subgroup three consists of materials generated by the Graduate Student Senate (GSS) and its predecessor the Graduate and Professional Student Association. Acting as a liaison between graduate students and ASOSU, the GSS has served as an equal partner with the undergraduate senate since 1994 in ASOSU’s bicameral senate structure. Documenting legislative activity by the GSS, these records also pertain to the development of student tax guides, the organization of events highlighting graduate student research, collection of information about other university graduate student associations, and the review of graduate programs at OSU. Materials in this subgroup include bylaws and constitutions, bills and resolutions, correspondence, meeting minutes, newsletters, newspaper clippings, reports, student representative lists, and survey materials.
The Graduate Student Senate Records consist of ten series: I. Meeting Minutes; II. Correspondence; III. Reports and Publications; IV. Subject Files; V. Bylaws and Constitutions; VI. Bills and Resolutions; VII. Newspaper Clippings; VIII. Newsletters; IX. Student Representative Lists; and X. Graduate Student Survey.
Graduate Student Research Day
Subgroup four is made up of materials generated by the Oregon Student Lobby (OSL) and documents their efforts to “protect the collective interests of students in post-secondary education in Oregon” through educational outreach to students, active lobbying of the state legislature, and work with the Oregon State System of Higher Education. Membership on the OSL Board of Directors includes representatives of student government from each of the state colleges and universities. ASOSU members of the OSL Board collected the records in this subgroup, which include bylaws, correspondence, financial statements, handbooks, meeting minutes, newspaper clippings, publications, reports, and board of director lists. Among the topics addressed in these materials are tuition policies, student evaluations of faculty, financial aid, voter registration, and tax exemption. Formed in 1975, OSL changed its name to the Oregon Student Association (OSA) in 1997, operating with the same structure and mission.
The Oregon Student Lobby Records consist of ten series: I. Correspondence; II. Meeting Minutes; III. Reports; IV. Bylaws, Policies, and Procedures; V. Budget Proposals and Financial Statements; VI. Handbooks and Manuals; VII. Newspaper Clippings; VIII. Publications; IX. Subject Files; and X. Board of Directors Lists.
Development of educational consumer grievance procedures.
Student evaluations of faculty.
Collective bargaining.
Tuition and financial aid.
This subgroup consists of budget requests, meeting minutes, newsletters, and newspaper clippings generated by the Oregon Student Association, which continues the work of the Oregon Student Lobby.
The Oregon Student Association Records consist of six series: I. Meeting Minutes and Agendas; II. Budget Requests; III. Newspaper Clippings; IV. General; V. Outlook Newsletter; and VI. Exhibited Materials.