The University Archives collects, preserves and provides access to the historical records of Portland State from its beginnings as Vanport Extension Center to the present day. The archives includes documents, correspondence, publications, program materials, photographs, moving images and ephemera from administrative departments, academic units, student organizations, and faculty and staff.
Mission
The mission of the Portland State University Archives is to collect, organize, preserve, and provide access to the historical records of the University. The Archives will work with administrative and academic units, staff, faculty, students, and University-affiliated organizations to identify records of enduring value and assure such records will be permanently maintained. The Archives will serve as a resource for scholarship and instruction by encouraging and facilitating the use of historical records by students, staff, faculty and the greater community. The Archives will also assist the Office of Business Affairs in ensuring compliance by campus units with records retention schedules and disposal procedures as mandated by the Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 166-475.
The University Archives and the goals of Portland State
- Provide Civic Leadership through Partnerships
As the largest university in Oregon, Portland State models a commitment to state administrative standards and to nationally recognized academic best practices by maintaining an active university archives program to ensure long-term preservation of its institutional history and compliance with record keeping requirements.
- Improve Student Success
The University Archives promotes knowledge, interest, pride and investment in Portland State University by connecting students to its history and encouraging their participation in building its legacy.
- Achieve Global Excellence
The University Archives preserves and promotes the many accomplishments and achievements of its programs, faculty and students.
- Enhance Educational Opportunity
By collecting primary resources and promoting their use to students and instructors, Portland State supports a continuation of Oregon curriculum standards and cultivates important critical thinking and information literacy skills.
- Expand Resources & Improve Effectiveness
For the community, and for the institution’s alumni and emeriti in particular, the University Archives serves as an effective and compelling point of long-term engagement with Portland State. The resources of the University Archives support outreach by Development, University Communications and the Alumni Association.