New York University Surveys
Call Number
Dates
Creator
Extent
Language of Materials
Abstract
The reports in this collection span a forty-one year period, from 1932-1973, although the majority of the data is from 1930-1962. The surveys were commissioned and conducted by University administration, consultants commissioned by the University Council, and the Chancellor's Office. The survey material contains a range of data about the history of New York University, the history of higher education, the role of NYU as an urban university, and the relationship of the university with its city and region.
Historical/Biographical Note
The surveys in this collection were conducted from 1930 through 1972 by the University administration or hired consultants under the direction and authorization of the University Council or the Chancellor's Office. Some of the survey materials originated in Chancellor Harry Woodburn Chase's office, while others were administered by Harold O. Voorhis' office or requested by non-university agencies.
The surveys contain statistical and descriptive data regarding the following subjects: the cost of higher education; student enrollment; geographic origin of students; divisional and course enrollment; course descriptions; faculty background and compensation; non-academic compensation; staff relationships with administration; comparisons of academic and non-academic compensation; the occupations and professions that attracted University graduates; finances, tuition, expenses and cost of buildings and facilities; use of space; and the development of NYU's public relations program.
The reports in this collection reflect the development of NYU's projected public image. The surveys confront major issues in higher education, such as the tension between the value of a classical education as opposed to vocational or pre-professional training. The reports trace innovations in the humanities, science and technical coursework, in the development of medical, dental, and nursing education and in the developmental relationship of the humanities to technical fields as a supportive intellectual area over a forty-one year period.
The University surveys also contain data related to the development of the technical and medical professions, and the professionalization of technical and medical occupations. There is also material related to the education of women, the history of non-industrial labor relations, and the comparative status of academic and non-academic occupations.
Arrangement
Folders are arranged chronologically within a single series.
Scope and Content Note
This collection contains three linear feet of surveys and reports on the University. With the exception of the first box, which contains general surveys from 1958-1964, the folders and boxes are arranged chronologically, beginning in February 1930.
In addition to a number of surveys and reports, the collection also contains correspondence and memoranda, generated by the Chancellor's office and other administrative offices within the University.
Subjects
Organizations
Genres
Topics
Access Restrictions
Institutional records of New York University are closed for a period of 20 years from the date of their creation (the date on which each document was written). Board of Trustees records are similarly closed for 35 years from the date of creation. The opening date for files spanning several years will be 20 years from the most recent date. Access will be given to material already 20 years old contained within a collection that is not yet open when such material can be isolated from the rest of the collection.
Materials related to personnel, faculty grievances, job searches and all files with information that falls under the University's Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) policy are permanently restricted.
Use Restrictions
Permission to publish materials must be obtained in writing from the:
New York University Archives
Elmer Holmes Bobst Library
70 Washington Square South
New York, NY 10012
Phone: (212) 998-2641
Fax: (212) 995-4225
E-mail: university-archives@nyu.edu
Preferred Citation
Published citations should take the following form: Identification of item, date (if known); New York University Surveys; RG 35; box number; folder number; New York University Archives, New York University Libraries.
Location of Materials
Provenance
This is a collection without provenance: the surveys were originally kept together in the files of Harold O. Voorhis, but were separated from the Voorhis files during relocation to the University Archives.