The University Council records include eight series: Standing Committees, Committees (reports), Correspondence and Other Papers, Correspondence with Board of Regents, Topical Files, Minutes (bound volumes), Accompanying Documents (bound volumes), and University Council, 1970-1989. The records primarily document the original University Council in operation from 1931 to 1948. Records from this period present a broad overview of campus issues and policies. The materials offer insight into how the university adapted to changes brought about during World War II.
In May 1931, the Board of Regents of the University of Michigan authorized the establishment of a University Council. Previous to 1931, the faculty government had used the town hall system of government. Under this system, named the University Senate, any faculty member that had achieved the rank of assistant professor or higher automatically became a sitting member. This resulted in a body with an unwieldy membership of upwards of 500 that met as few as four times a year. Attendance was also generally low unless a particularly interesting topic was announced. As the university grew, the senate recognized the need for effective and united communication and leadership.
The University Council, therefore, was conceived as a "federal organization" in the method of representative government. The first council consisted of: the university president, twenty-two exofficio members (including many deans, directors, and even the librarian and registrar), and thirty-four representatives elected, based on population size, from varying schools and colleges. The council replaced the former Senate Council (not to be confused with the University Senate) and took over the legislative arm of the University Senate, with the Senate maintaining oversight. Additionally, the University Senate's thirty committees were expected to annually report to the University Council.
The council was tasked with establishing university policies regarding, "a liberal and comprehensive policy of education; for the maximum utilization of the university; for the government, guidance, and discipline of the student body, and oversight of its activities...and to coordinate leadership and effectiveness of colleges and schools (September 1931 meeting). To accomplish this end, the council formed five standing committees: 1) Program and policy, 2) Educational policies, 3) Student relations, 4) Public relations, 5) Plant and equipment. In 1948, upon recommendation of the provost, the Regents approved a resolution which abolished the University Council. Most of its functions were taken over by a reconstituted and much more powerful Senate Advisory Committee on Academic Affairs (SACUA).
In February 1970, the University of Michigan Board of Regents established a new University Council to serve as a mechanism through which, according to the bylaw 7.02, "uniform regulations [could be developed] governing the conduct of . . . students, teaching staff, . . . and administrators . . . where such regulations (a) Promote the educational goals of the University, and (b) Are of common concern and apply generally to all of the above mentioned segments of the University community." Although the two University Councils carried out similar missions, there is no mention in the 1970s Regent's Proceedings that the second council was a direct descendent or reanimation of the 1931 University Council.
The 1970 University Council was composed of three students, three faculty, and three administrators/staff. Anything passed by the council would then need ratification by the Senate Assembly, Michigan Student Assembly (MSA), and the Regents. By 1987, the University Council was stalemated. According to the July 1988 University Record, the council had failed to pass one policy in its seven-year life due to its complicated structure for ratification. The Regents gave the council one year to develop workable amendments to the bylaw in order to make itself functioning and effective; otherwise, the sunset clause in the bylaw would disband the council in May 1989. The bylaw was extended until December 1989, however, the last mention of the council can be found in the December 1989 Regents Proceedings.
