Materials in University Archives are available for research and administrative use. Use the links below to browse descriptions of publications and records series or to explore collections of digitized materials. Visit Special Collections & University Archives in Seidman House or contact us to arrange an appointment to use the materials.
Historic GVSU Photographs Digital Collection
Historical images of the people, places, and events of Grand Valley State University from its founding in 1960 as a 4-year college in western Michigan. Additional photographs and negatives are stored in the University Archives in Seidman House.
University Publications Digital Collection
Digitized versions of publications by and for Grand Valley. Including student newspapers, course catalogs, yearbooks, newsletters, and more.
University Publications Finding Aids
Descriptions of Grand Valley's publications stored and available for research in the University Archives in Seidman House.
University Records Series Finding Aids
Descriptions of records of the University and related manuscript collections that are identified as having permanent historical value and document the organization, functions, policies, decisions, procedures, operations, or other activities of the University. The records exist in paper and other formats, such as photographs, negatives, slides, motion picture film and video, maps, prints, audio recordings, and electronic records. Records are available for research in Seidman House.
The Grand Valley State University Archives is the repository for official and unofficial historical records created by the University's administration, academic departments, faculty, students, and campus organizations. The Archives collects records that document and support the university's mission to contribute to the enrichment of society through excellent teaching, active scholarship, and public service. It exists to help meet the University's legal responsibility to preserve and make available its records in accordance with applicable State and Federal laws and to assist the University community's effort to document its actions and decisions consistent with its mission.
The Archives works with Special Collections to collect and preserve primary and secondary materials that support the research interests of the communities it serves.
50 Years of Grand Valley History GVSU Historical Timeline Laker Traditions
The following types of records are commonly created and held by offices and departments across the University. They should be considered for transfer to the University Archives when no longer in active use.
Records that support decision-making, demonstrate compliance, document the history and culture of the University, and enable us to do our jobs are some of the University’s most valuable assets. Proper management of University records maximizes their value and minimizes their cost. Good records management practices enable your office to:
The University Archives provides consultation services to help University offices comply with state and federal laws relating to the preservation and destruction of records, both paper and electronic. Our staff can provide guidance in identifying records created by the University and establishing rules of retention and destruction which ensure the legal legitimacy of University record-keeping systems.
Please contact the University Archives with questions relating to the retention, storage, destruction, or transfer of University records.
