University Archives
Melinda Isler, Archivist
FLITE 438
1010 Campus Drive
Big Rapids MI 49307
(231) 591-3731
[email protected]
Collection Summary
Collection Title: Student Handbook Records
Creator: Ferris Institute. Office of Student Community Standards.
Dates: 1931; 1951-2017
Abstract: Student handbooks provide information about organizations, rules and the culture of a campus. They also include a calender/planner to assist students. This collection contains the annual student handbooks and any supporting documentation. Known copies exist for 1931 and 1951-2007.
Language: English
Quantity: 2.5 cubic feet; 5 half records center box
Identification: UA 7.2.600
Repository: Ferris State University Archives and Records Management Program
Historical Note
In 1931, Charles Weeter noted that "in this book you will find valuable, and for the most part otherwise inaccessible, information regarding the organizations, activities and customs of the campus." The 144 page book was bound in red leather and smaller than an index card. It began with a dedication to instructor Charles Carlisle. Topics covered included living standards, dress standards, dress standards and the regulations for girls.
The next known handbook was issued in 1951. It is uncertain if a handbook was actually published between 1931-1941. The 1951 student handbook was a joint project of the student council and the Ferris administration. It focused more on the rules and regulations of the campus, and less on personal behavior. It did not include a calender. Descriptions of buildings or locations of certain events such as plays or sporting events were also included.
In 1991-1992, the calender was again included in the student handbook. It became much larger with a spiral bound format to allow students room for planning. Issues such as study habits and personal codes of conduct began to reappear. More photographs were also included in the handbook.
Scope and Content Note
Student handbooks provide a more rounded view of life on campus than directories (which provide numbers and locations) or catalogs (which provide the academic courses of study.) A calender is frequently included as part of the handbook. This makes it a more useful tool for the student, and is designed so that they are less likely to throw the handbook away!
It is said that over 90% of a student's college experience occurs outside the classroom. Handbooks try to help new students in experiencing that non-classroom experience. Information provided in the student handbook varies widely. While an academic calender may be included, or limited office contact information, the handbook provides a focus on non-academic activities. Housing and food services are frequently given sections. Additionally, large sections are devoted to organizations and entertainment on campus. Another section entitled "Traditions" includes fight songs and yells, and events that occur, and, occasionally, their history.
Arrangement
The papers are contained in a single series.
Access Information
Conditions of Access
The Student Handbook Records are open for research to all users in accordance with University Archives and Records Management access policies. It is available in the reading room of the Ferris State University Archives.
Conditions of Use
Requests for permission to publish material should be directed to the University Archivist. It is the responsibility of the researcher to identify and satisfy the holders of all copyrights.
Copyright interests for this collection have been transferred to Ferris State University. For more information, contact the University Archivist.
Subject Headings
Below are a list of names, organizations and subjects relating to the collection. Names have been taken from Library of Congress Authority headings whenever possible.
- Ferris Institute (Big Rapids, Mich.)- History
- Ferris State College (Big Rapids, Mich.) - History
- Ferris State University- Students- Handbooks, manuals, etc.
- F Handbook
- The Guide to Life at Ferris State University
Related Materials
None specified.
Administrative Information
Citations
Footnotes and bibliographic references should use the following format:
[Item], Folder, Box. Student Handbook Records. Ferris State University Archives.
Big Rapids, Michigan.
Provenance (Acquisition Information)
The student handbooks were donated to the University Archives by various staff members. The exact times and number of transfers are unknown.
Processing Information
The Student Handbook Records were processed to the folder level by Melinda McMartin Isler in July 2005. A finding aid was prepared in a word processing format and converted to EAD 1.0. A revised finding aid was created in January 2008. A collection level MARC-format record was prepared and placed in the library online public access catalog. Description was based on Describing Archives: A Content Standard (Chicago: Society of American Archivists, 2004).
Separated Materials
During processing, duplicate materials were discarded. There were no other materials placed in other collections.
Technical Requirements
This collection consists of a printed publication. No specialized hardware or software is required for viewing.
Content Listing
Series 1. Handbooks. 1931; 1951-2017.
The Student Handbook Records are organized into a single series. They include basic information about the university and student codes of conduct. Most handbooks also include a daily planner/calender and are arranged with a table of contents or clearly marked sections.
Materials are arranged chronologically by year.
| Box | Folder | Contents |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | F Handbook. 1931-1932. |
| 1 | 2 | Ferris Institute Student Handbook. 1951-1952. |
| 1 | 3 | Ferris Institute Student Handbook. 1953-1954. |
| 1 | 4 | Ferris Institute Women's Handbook. 1953-1954. |
| 1 | 5 | Ferris Institute Student Handbook. 1954-1955. |
| 1 | 6 | Ferris Institute Women's Handbook. 1954-1955. |
| 1 | 7 | Ferris State College Student Handbook. 1963-1964. |
| 1 | 8 | Ferris State College Student Handbook. 1966-1967. |
| 1 | 9 | Ferris State College Student Handbook. 1967-1968. |
| 1 | 10 | Ferris State College Student Handbook. 1968-1969. |
| 1 | 11 | Ferris State College Student Handbook. 1969-1970. |
| 1 | 12 | Ferris State College Student Handbook. 1970-1971. |
| 1 | 13 | Ferris State College Student Handbook. 1971-1972. |
| Box | Folder | Contents |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1 | Ferris State College Student Handbook. 1972-1973. |
| 2 | 2 | Ferris State College Student Handbook. 1973-1974. |
| 2 | 3 | Ferris State College Student Handbook. 1974-1975. |
| 2 | 4 | Ferris State College Student Handbook. 1975-1976. |
| 2 | 5 | Ferris State College Student Handbook. 1976-1977. |
| 2 | 6 | Ferris State College Student Handbook. 1977-1978. |
| 2 | 7 | Ferris State College Student Handbook. 1978-1979. |
| 2 | 8 | Ferris State College Student Handbook. 1979-1980. |
| 2 | 9 | Ferris State College Student Handbook. 1980-1981. |
| 2 | 10 | Ferris State College Student Handbook. 1981-1982. |
| 2 | 11 | Ferris State College Student Handbook. 1982-1983. |
| 2 | 12 | Ferris State College Student Handbook. 1983-1984. |
| 2 | 13 | Ferris State College Student Handbook. 1984-1985. |
| 2 | 14 | Ferris State College Student Handbook. 1985-1986. |
| 2 | 15 | Ferris State College Student Handbook. 1986-1987. |
| Box | Folder | Contents |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 1 | Ferris State College Student Handbook. 1987-1988. |
| 3 | 2 | Ferris State University Student Handbook. 1988-1989. |
| 3 | 3 | Ferris State University Student Handbook. 1989-1990. |
| 3 | 4 | Ferris State University Student Handbook. 1990-1991. |
| 3 | 5 | Ferris State University Student Handbook. 1991-1992. |
| 3 | 6 | Ferris State University Student Handbook. 1992-1993. |
| 3 | 7 | Ferris State University Student Handbook. 1994-1995. |
| 3 | 8 | Ferris State University Student Handbook. 1995-1996. |
| 3 | 9 | Ferris State University Student Handbook. 1996-1997. |
| 3 | 10 | Ferris State University Student Handbook. 1997-1998. |
| 3 | 11 | Ferris State University Student Handbook. 1999-2000. |
| Box | Folder | Contents |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 1 | Ferris State University Student Handbook. 2000-2001. |
| 4 | 2 | Ferris State University Student Handbook. 2001-2002. |
| 4 | 3 | Guide to Life at Ferris State University. Student handbook. 2002-2003. |
| 4 | 4 | Guide to Life at Ferris State University. Student handbook. 2003-2004. |
| 4 | 5 | Guide to Life at Ferris State University. Student handbook. 2004-2005. |
| 4 | 6 | Ferris State University Student Handbook. 2005-2006. |
| Box | Folder | Contents |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 1 | Ferris State University Code of Community Standards. Student handbook. 2006-2007. |
| 5 | 2 | Ferris State University Code of Community Standards. Student handbook. 2009-2010. |
| 5 | 3 | Ferris State University Code of Community Standards. Student handbook. 2010-2011.. |
| 5 | 4 | Ferris State University Code of Community Standards. Student handbook. 2011-2012. |
| 5 | 5 | Ferris State University Code of Community Standards. Student handbook. 2012-2013. |
| 5 | 6 | Ferris State University Code of Community Standards. Student handbook. 2013-2014. |
| 5 | 7 | Ferris State University Code of Community Standards. Student handbook. 2014-2015. |
| Box | Folder | Contents |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 1 | Ferris State University Code of Community Standards. Student handbook. 2015-2016. |
| 6 | 2 | Ferris State University Code of Community Standards. Student handbook. 2016-2017. |