Archives 1987-26
WSU Human Resources
Faculty Personnel Files, 1890s-1986
Acquisition and Processing Information
The materials in this collection were transferred to the Washington State University (WSU) Libraries' Manuscripts, Archives, and Special Collections (MASC) in two separate batches. The majority of the materials came in July 28, 1987 from Sally Meye of WSU's Human Resources, abd retained as UA1987-26. Three boxes of additional materials followed on April 17, 1990 and was retained as UA1990-13. In August of 2017, the entire collection was rehoused, and one small box of print records from the 1990 accession was interfiled into the earlier print records. The 1990 microfilm records were not interfiled but rather incorporated at the end as one box of "additional records."
Extent/Quantity Information
Number of containers: 44 boxes
Linear feet of shelf space: 24.5
Organizational History
Washington State University, then Washington Agricultural College and School of Science, was authorized by the Washington state legislature on March 28, 1990. They formed a board of Regents and hired a College President in early 1901, with the first five faculty and other staff following shortly thereafter. The school began instruction on January 13, 1892, and has been running since.Collection Description
The collection consists of 16 record cartons of print faculty personnel files, followed by 28 boxes of sheets of microfilmed faculty personnel files. These records are not open to the public due to the potential for privacy issues, but interested parties may petition the archives for selected non-private facts from individual files.
Files can be anywhere from just one page to over 100 pages. At a minimum, they generally include an individual's schooling and work history prior to their arrival at WSU, and a chronological listing of positions held here, dates of employment, and salary paid. Many also include names of parents and spouses, as well as local address. Some include lists of publications and service and information about sabbaticals, and a few include letters from supervisors, administration, or others relating to their hiring, promotion, retirement, passing, or other events of significance.
It should be noted that personnel files these are strictly those of faculty members. WSU MASC holds no staff/administrator records, save in those cases where those staff/administrators held faculty status. Extension service employees are also generally not represented here.
Collection Arrangement
The print records are organized alphabetically by last name. The microfilm records appear to be two identical series (plus some additional records in the final box), with each series organized alphabetically by last name. The final box of later records also appears to be two identical series, with each series organized alphabetically by last name.
For staff members looking for an individual in these files - we generally suggest looking first in the print boxes, and then in the first series of microfilm in someone is not present in print. It appears that the final box only contains files generated or updated between 1984 and 1986 (approximately), though there may be exceptions. Similarly, we've yet to note any difference between copy 1 of the microfilm and copy 2, but there may be some as of yet unnoticed difference, or files missing in one set of copies but present in the other.
Access
The entirety of this collection is closed to the general public. It may not be reproduced in any way. However, individuals wishing specific information from a file may ask, and if providing that will not violate the file's subject's privacy then MASC's staff may pass on that information if they can.
Internal Use: Location Note
Though this collection is fully processed, due to its limits on public access it is still being retained in the accessions. It is held as UA 1987-26 at internal location 2-40-27-2.
Preferred Citation
The suggested citation for the collection is:
[Item Description]
WSU Human Resources Faculty Personnel Files, 1890s-1986 (Unprocessed Archives 1987-26)
Manuscripts, Archives, and Special Collections
Washington State University Libraries
Pullman, WA