Have questions? Request an appointment with our University Archivist. We are happy to consult with you about transferring and managing your records.

Please include in your request:

• Office or department name
• General description of records for review
• Several dates and times that work best

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:

• Control costs associated with records and information management
• Improve efficiency and access to information
• Meet compliance obligations
• Minimize the legal risks posed by inadequate records management practices
• Ensure that permanent and historical records are captured and maintained

Transfer Records

Please complete a Records Transfer Form and include it with any records or files you send to the University Archives. 

Records Transfer Form

The University Archives is an active partner in university records management, providing consultation services to help University offices identify permanent records and plan for the scheduling, disposition, and transfer of records to the archives. Contact Annie Benefiel, University Archivist and Digital Collections Librarian at (616) 331-8727 or [email protected] to schedule a consultation appointment.

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.

• Official agendas, minutes, and supplemental materials of boards, committees, departments, senate, councils, and task forces
• Reports, including summary or annual reports, research reports, statistical reports, and special reports, published or unpublished
• Publications of university offices and departments, including directories, catalogs, handbooks, schedules, newsletters, journals, brochures, calendars, posters, etc.
• Official correspondence of continuing legal, administrative, or historical value pertaining to the policies, procedures, or functions of the university
• Articles, written histories, speeches, summary lists, and presentations relating to the history, policies, procedures, or functions of the university
• Photographs or digital images of university locations, people, and events
• Audio-visual recordings (sound or moving images) documenting historically significant university activities
• Artifacts (reviewed and approved by the University Archives)