Please note: This page has been inactive since 2019. Efforts to revive this program will be ongoing during the 2024-25 academic year.

Historically, the records of UO’s diverse communities, namely student groups, remain hidden or dispersed throughout various campus offices or in the possession of alumni. Consequently, the “Documenting Diversity at the University of Oregon” initiative seeks to collect pertinent records and raise awareness of the importance of preserving historic diversity records, especially of underrepresented groups. This project, spearheaded by UO Libraries Special Collections and University Archives (SCUA), will invite departments and students groups across campus to donate their records to the University Archives to fill major gaps in the history of the university. It will particularly encourage submissions from groups underrepresented in the University Archives, such as UO’s ethnic minorities, LGBTQ, veterans, and international students. The initiative seeks to identify, locate, transfer, and make accessible these important and at-risk historical records, as well as to document and detail these histories through blogs, online exhibits, and various other social media. This project will also align and collaborate with other departments with similar priorities and goals, including the Office of the Vice President for Equity and Inclusion (VPEI). This initiative will be on-going throughout the 2013-2016 school years with various events and outreach to assist with the process.

This project supports the UO’s mission and institutional priority of celebrating the strengths of a diverse and multicultural community, as well as significantly contributing to developing and implementing the strategic plan for equity, inclusion, and diversity. The initiative supports collaboration on diversity initiatives throughout the campus community. Furthermore, this project supports the UO Libraries strategic direction of advancing diversity through expanding programs and partnerships that contribute to an inclusive campus environment.

Upcoming event information will be posted here. Selected records and stories will also be highlighted on our blog. Also see our recently developed online exhibit on African American history.