The records document the administration of the school and its predecessor institutions.
Most of the records date from the 1970s. A few records exist from the earlier social work
programs administered by the University of Wisconsin-Extension and UW-Madison, and from the
Department of Social Work, which was administered by the College of Letters & Science.
The records document the development of new courses and degrees; staffing and equipment
needs; and plans for future expansion. The files contain copies of correspondence, reports,
and background materials either created by the dean or sent to him from other offices. The
files also contain agendas, minutes, bulletins, and supporting materials from school ad hoc
and standing committees, and publications issued by the school, most dating from the
1970s.
The collection contains extensive files concerning the accreditation of the school and its
graduate and undergraduate programs. The files include self-studies, which provide details
on the curriculum, organization, and operation of the college.
The files on the College of Letters & Science (1956-1965) document the general
administration of the department (and later, school) when it reported to the dean of the
college. The files document the evolution of the department from a small organization to a
larger and more active school, and include correspondence concerning curriculum development,
grant funding, and staffing. The most extensive correspondence concerning the reorganizing
of the department into a school dates from 1963. Other information on the same topic can be
found in the file on "Reorganization of the School, 1963-1964."
The correspondence files contain the dean's incoming and outgoing letters with individuals
on and off the campus, usually concerning general policy issues, funding, staffing, and
other administrative concerns. The files also contain some copies of the correspondence of
other university personnel when it pertained to school operations. Some of the
correspondence can also be found in the files on committees, departments, and programs.
Extensive files document the development of Master's Degrees in Criminal Justice and Home
Economics, and a PhD degree in Human Services.
The records of the executive committee normally contain agendas, minutes, and supporting
materials. The Committee met weekly, usually to discuss staff appointments and salaries.
The records of the college's faculty meetings normally contain the agendas, minutes, and
supporting materials. The faculty approved recommendations for consideration of candidates
for degrees and honors, and approved annual reports and special reports of the committees
within the College.
Field Education Committee and Program files contain detailed records documenting the
development and evolution of field instruction, which was designed to complement academic
study of theory by giving the student an opportunity to test, integrate, and practice theory
and its related methods and skills. The files contain information on specific courses,
places where students could work, and the levels of supervision.
The policy master files (1969-1974) were originally in bound volumes (or "books") and
arranged in semi-chronological order. The files contain copies of decisions of the faculty
and administration concerning curriculum development, organizational structure, and a
variety of policy statements. The files are useful for quickly finding information on a
variety of issues during the five year period.
The publications issued by the school mostly date from the 1970s. They are organized
alphabetically by author in boxes 20-21, but are listed alphabetically by title in the
contents list.
The files on the Search and Screen Committee for the Dean (1973, and 1991-1992) contain
unrestricted correspondence, minutes and reports of the committee.
Of special interest is the Study of Community Opinions Concerning
the Summer 1967 Civil Disturbances in Milwaukee, written in 1968 by Jonathan A.
Slesinger, a professor in the school. The Study provides a
detailed analyses of White and African-American opinions on the causes and results of the
July 1967 riots in Milwaukee. The report is also available in the general stacks of UWM
Libraries (call number F589 .M6 S58x).
One folder contains reports and news clippings concerning the 1981-1982 audit of Title XX
curriculum and training grants awarded to the school, detailing the allegations of misuse of
funds and UWM's appeals.
The collection also contains records of the Unemployment and Economic Dependency Project
(1978-1980), including the original proposal, final report, and minutes of the advisory
committee. The project developed a curriculum to help prepare social welfare students for
work with economically dependent populations.
The collection also contains audio and video of the first and second Helen Bader Lectures
(1994-1995).
