Scope and Contents

This collection documents a decade of change in the identity of Simmons University. At present, it contains the records of the Self-Study Program formed in 1963, plans for new infrastructure to address the needs identified by the Self-Study Committee, and proposed courses of study, including the Black Studies program proposed by the Black Student Organization in 1969. It also contains newer, tangentially related materials.

These papers offer insight into a decade of drastic change not only on the Simmons campus, but on campuses nationwide. They are of interest not only to researchers investigating the evolution of women’s institutions in the United States, but also to Simmons students and alumni curious about how their school has changed since its founding.

Historical Note

Founded in 1899 as a women’s-only college, Simmons University has undergone several structural changes over the past decades to adapt to changing societal conditions and norms. This collection documents one such period of change. 

In 1963, Simmons formed a Self-Study Committee to review past institutional changes and assess the new needs and demands of the community. The goal was both to provide faculty an opportunity for direct participation, and to provide administrators with a blueprint for future decision-making. The Committee conducted faculty interviews in 1963, convened and produced an interim report in 1964, and finalized their report in 1965.

Through the latter half of the ensuing decade, the school proposed and pursued a plan for a new organizational structure. In addition to revising departmental duties and establishing new concentrations, they also invested in student services infrastructure such as the Career Planning Center. 

Dates

1963-1969

Information

Administrator: Simmons University Archives

Creator: Various, incl. the Simmons College Self-Study Committee

Languages

English

Extent

Three boxes containing a total of eleven folders. Approx. 0.627 linear feet.

Separated Material

The following materials were removed from this collection and accessioned into other parts of the University Archives: Timetable for catalogue copy, 1965; William Kahl correspondence, 1965-1966; Coalition Coordinating Committee correspondence, 1970; John Robinson correspondence, 1992-2000.

This collection is arranged into three series, each representing a stage of structural change at Simmons College. These series are arranged chronologically following the progression of institutional change: the initial broad assessment, the subsequent reorganization of infrastructure, and finally the more granular changes to curriculum. Within each series, materials are arranged chronologically and by subject.

This collection is arranged into three series, each representing a stage of structural change at Simmons College. These series are arranged chronologically following the progression of institutional change: the initial broad assessment, the subsequent reorganization of infrastructure, and finally the more granular changes to curriculum. Within each series, materials are arranged chronologically and by subject.

Series 1: Self-Study Committee Papers, 1963-1965

This series contains the records of the Self-Study Committee, including...

This collection is arranged into three series, each representing a stage of structural change at Simmons College. These series are arranged chronologically following the progression of institutional change: the initial broad assessment, the subsequent reorganization of infrastructure, and finally the more granular changes to curriculum. Within each series, materials are arranged chronologically and by subject.

Series 2: New Infrastructure, 1965

This series contains documents pertaining to structural changes in Simmons University’s administrative infrastructure. For instance...

This collection is arranged into three series, each representing a stage of structural change at Simmons College. These series are arranged chronologically following the progression of institutional change: the initial broad assessment, the subsequent reorganization of infrastructure, and finally the more granular changes to curriculum. Within each series, materials are arranged chronologically and by subject.

Series 3: New Courses of Study, 1965-1969

This series contains documents relating to the establishment of new concentrations and academic programs at Simmons University, including the Black Studies program and the American Studies concentration. Also included is a report on Independent Studies and Fieldwork at Simmons.

Access Statement

Collection is open for research. Per University Archives access policy, "Archives collections are available for use by researchers Monday-Thursday, 10:00am to 4:00pm. Advance consultations and scheduled appointments are strongly encouraged, as much of our collection is in offsite storage."

Rights Statement

Per University Archives copyright policy (2008), "The images and text on the Simmons University Archives web site are made available for study purposes only. They may not be reproduced in any form without prior written permission from the Simmons University Archives. Researchers must obtain permission from the Simmons University Archives to publish, exhibit, or display items, or parts thereof, from the University Archives' collections."

Citation Preferences

FORMAT: Description, Date, Record Group Name, Records Group Number, Repository Name, Institutional Affiliation, Location.

EXAMPLE: "Charge for a Self-Evaluation Program at Simmons College,” 1963, Folder 1-1, The University Archives, Simmons University, Boston MA.