Online Archives Search

Discover just some of the amazing material held in the Archives.

The Online Archives Search is a limited search of the UNSW Archives' collection - please note that it does not cover everything held by the Archives.

UNSW staff can also search for archival records through the RAMS interface.

A small selection of the Archives' digital photographs are also available for searching and viewing via UNSW Digital Collections.

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    On 8 July 1947 the NSW Government appointed a Developmental Council (under the chairmanship of the Minister for Education, the Hon R.J. Heffron, MLA) to establish the New South Wales Institute of Technology. The purpose of the Institute was to train scientists and technologists to meet the needs of the expanding economy. The Council met on 18 occasions between 27 August 1947 and 26 May 1949, during which time the name of the proposed body was changed to the New South Wales University of Technology. The major role of the Developmental Council had been preparation of a bill for an Act that passed though the parliamentary process in 1949. The Council had identified two unique features of the new University courses - some humanities component would be included, and practical industrial training would be a requirement. Premises of the Department of Technical Education were utilised until a site and buildings for the university were available. The first degree courses in Civil, Electrical, Mechanical and Mining Engineering commenced at Sydney Technical College in March 1948. (1) The Technical Education and University of Technology Act, 1949 (Act No 11, 1949) came into effect on 1 July 1949. It formally constituted the University as a body corporate, and consisting of the Council, the professors and other such classes of persons giving instruction within the University as may be prescribed and the graduate and under-graduate members thereof. (2) The objects of the University were (a) to provide facilities for higher specialised instruction and advanced training in the various branches of technology and science and in their application to industry and commerce; and (b) to aid by research and other suitable means the advancement, development and practical application of science to industry and commerce. (3) The University was managed by a Council of up to 30 members, (4) who were appointed by the Governor for periods of up to four years. The principal officers of the University were the President, Vice-President and Director. The Council was appointed on 5 July 1949 (5) and held its inaugural meeting the following day. The first by-laws were adopted on 12 September 1949, which included provision for the formation of the Professorial Board in the following year. (6) Building on the University's site at Kensington commenced in October 1949. (7) Finance was allocated for the building program by the New South Wales University of Technology (Construction) Act, 1951 (Act No. 35, 1951). The buildings authorised under the Act included a 3-4 storey permanent brick building to accommodate the schools of Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Mechanical Drawing and Design, Geology and Mineral Engineering together with administrative offices, lecture theatre and cafeteria and 13 steel clad aluminium buildings to accommodate the School of Chemical Engineering, furniture, equipment and services for these buildings, access roads and other necessary site works. (8) The first graduates of the University were awarded their degrees on 15 March 1952. Thirty-four degrees were presented to graduates at a ceremony held at Great Hall, University of Sydney. The structure of the Council was altered by the Technical Education and New South Wales University of Technology (Amendment) Act, 1955 (Act No. 8, 1955). The Council was increased to a maximum 39 members and the titles of President, Vice President and Director were replaced by those of Chancellor, Deputy Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor. The University of New South Wales Act, 1958 (Act No. 24, 1958) altered the name of the University to the University of New South Wales and added a third object to that of the principal Act. ' c) to provide instruction and carry out research in the disciplines of humane studies and medicine and such other disciplines as the Council may from time to time determine.' (9) The University of New South Wales Act, 1961 (Act No 49, 1961) increased the Council to 40 members (10) and set in place an annual budget allocation from the NSW Government following the submission of a budget from the University. (11) Existing legislation was consolidated by the University of New South Wales Act, 1968 (No 37, 1968). Under the University of New South Wales (Amendment) Act, 1970 (No 75, 1970) the number of Council members was again enlarged to a total of 43. The University of New South Wales (Amendment) Act, 1978 (Act No 170, 1978) added to the Council one member elected by the non-academic staff of the university. The University's Constitution was altered to transfer responsibilities to the Minister including making nominations to the Council and authorising disposal of real property. In 1984 and 1985 two University of New South Wales (Amendment) Acts (Act No. 15, 1984 & Act No. 81, 1985) were passed. The former regulated the type of investments that Council was permitted to undertake for the University, while the latter decreased the number of Council members to 29. In 1988 the Professorial Board was replaced with a reorganised Academic Board. This was followed in 1989 by a restructure of Council under the University of New South Wales Act, 1989 (No. 125, 1989), where the number of Council members was reduced to 21 and its terms of reference revised. The 1949 Act had given the Council the power to create colleges or branches elsewhere within New South Wales. The first of these was established at Newcastle in 1951. The Broken Hill Division was formed in 1959, while Wollongong University College was founded in 1962. On 1 January 1965, Newcastle was granted its autonomy and became the University of Newcastle. On 1 January 1975 Wollongong likewise attained the status of the University of Wollongong. In 1981 the termination of operations at Broken Hill was commenced, with the final graduation ceremony occurring in 1985. On 10 July 1967 an agreement was signed between the Department of the Army and the University to form the Faculty of Military Studies. The Faculty provided the opportunity for cadets at the Royal Military College at Duntroon to attain University degrees. On 7 May 1981 a new agreement was made between the Australian Government and the University to create a University College within the Australian Defence Force Academy. The College began operations on 1 January 1986. In 1969 the Australian Government created a Committee of Inquiry into Postgraduate Education for Management, under Dr Richard Cyert. In March 1970 the Committee recommended that a 'national graduate school of management be established at the University of New South Wales'. On 23 August 1973 the Government decided to initiate this proposal and the Australian Graduate School of Management was formed. Teaching began at the School in 1977. In 1998 the Australian Graduate School of Management merged with the University of Sydney's Graduate School of Business to form a joint university Australian Graduate School of Management. On 1 January 1990, as a consequence of the Higher Education (Amalgamation) Act 1989, two sections of the Sydney College of Advanced Education - the City Art Institute and St George Institute of Education (both previously a part of Alexander Mackie College) - were integrated with the University. On 2 December 1996 the decision was made to close St George campus, with the premises being vacated by the University in January 1999. The Faculties of the University were formed in the following order: Engineering, Science, Architecture/Built Environment, Humanities & Social Sciences, Technology/Applied Science, Commerce/Commerce & Economics, Arts/Arts & Social Sciences, Medicine, Law, Military Studies, Biological Sciences/Biological & Behavioural Sciences, Professional Studies, College of Fine Arts, Life Sciences and Science & Technology. (1) New South Wales University of Technology First annual report of proceedings for the year ended 30 June 1950 p1. in NSW Parliamentary Papers 1950-51-52 vol. 1 p. 567 (2) The Technical Education and University of Technology Act, 1949 s.16 (3) Ibid. s. 18 (4) Ibid. s. 19 (5) NSW Government Gazette 8 July, 1949 p. 1923 (6) NSW Government Gazette 9 December, 1949 p. 3673 (7) New South Wales University of Technology First annual report Loc. Cit p 8 (8) New South Wales University of Technology (Construction) Act, 1951. Schedule (9) The University of New South Wales Act, 1958 s. 2 c) (10) The University of New South Wales Act, 1961 s. 2(b) (11) Ibid. s.2.c(1) Controlling Organisation: UNSW - 01/07/1949-
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    The Centre for Membrane and Separation Technology was created within the faculties of Applied Science, Biological & Behavioural Sciences and Science at the 20 May 1987 meeting of the Vice-Chancellor's Advisory Committee. The Centre's main aim was to co-ordinate and develop research and teaching in the multidisciplinary area of membrane and separation technology. The first director of the Centre was Professor C. J. D. Fell. On 15 March 1988 the Department of Employment, Education and Training informed the university that the Centre had been designated a Commonwealth Special Research Centre (file 870458). On 10 March 1991 the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research & Development) determined that the Centre would be a joint Centre of the faculties of Applied Science and Science (file 870458). On 30 October 1992 an agreement was signed that designated the centre a UNESCO Science Centre. At the same time the name of the centre appears to have been changed to the UNESCO Centre for Membrane Science and Technology (file 870458). At the 2 December 1996 meeting of Council the faculties of Applied Science and Science were disestablished effective 1 July 1997 (resolution CL96/88/4). As a result, from this date the Centre became a joint centre of the faculties of Engineering and Science and Technology. On 18 June, 2001 Council resolved to disestablish the Faculty of Science & Technology and create a new single model Faculty of Science effective from 1 July, 2001 (resolution CL001/49). Thus from this date the Centre became a joint centre of the faculties of Engineering and Science. In 2008 the Director of the Centre was Professor Vicki Chen. Controlling Organisation: UNSW - 20/05/1987-
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    The School of Wool Technology had much of its roots in the Sheep & Wool School of the Sydney Technical College. A degree course in wool technology was approved by Council on 13 November 1950 (resolution 82) in time for the 1951 academic year. P. R. McMahon, then Head of the Sheep & Wool School, was made an Associate Professor on 1 January, 1951 (Council resolution 99). On 12 November 1951 Council appointed Professor McMahon to a newly created chair of wool technology and so the School of Wool Technology was formed (resolution 177i) with McMahon at its head. Initially the school was located within the Faculty of Science, but on 14 May 1956 Council created the Faculty of Technology (resolution 761i) and the school was moved to this faculty. On 9 May 1960 Council changed the name of the faculty to the Faculty of Applied Science (resolution 60/55). On 8 May 1967 Council changed the name of the school to the School of Wool & Pastoral Sciences (resolution 67/71). On 9 September 1985 the School of Wool & Pastoral Sciences was altered by Council from a school to the Department of Wool Science within the newly created School of Fibre Science & Technology effective 1 January 1986 (resolution 85/96ci). The school therefore ceased to exist from this time. Subordinate agency: Wellington Field Station - 01/01/1985 - 31/12/1985 Subordinate agency: Hay Field Station - 01/01/1967 - 31/12/1985 Controlling Organisation: UNSW - c. 12/11/1951-31/12/1985
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    On 9 September 1985 the School of Biological Technologies was created within the Faculty of Applied Science with effect from 1 January 1986 (Council resolution 85/96). It initially had two departments - the Department of Biotechnology and the Department of Food Science & Technology. The first head of school was Professor Ronald Edwards. On 11 July 1988 the school was renamed the School of Applied Bioscience (Council resolution 88/85). At the 2 December 1996 meeting of Council the Faculty of Applied Science was disestablished effective 1 July 1997 (resolution CL96/88/4). As a result, from this date the School of Applied Bioscience was transferred to the Faculty of Life Sciences. On 18 Jun, 2001 Council resolved to disestablish the Faculty of Life Sciences and create a new single model Faculty of Science effective from 1 July, 2001- including the School of Applied Bioscience (resolution CL001/49). On 8 October 2001 Council approved the disestablishment of the School of Applied Bioscience, as well as its two departments of Biotechnology and Food Science & Technology, effective 31 December 2001 (resolution CL001/84c). Subordinate agency: Department of Biotechnology - 01/01/1986 - 31/12/2001 Subordinate agency: Department of Food Science & Technology - 01/01/1986 - 31/12/2001 Controlling Organisation: UNSW - 01/01/1986-
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    On 11 May 1953 Council approved the establishment of a chair in Textile Technology (resolution 323). On 11 July 1955 (resolution 599) Council approved the appointment of Malcolm Chaikin to this chair and when he took up his position on 12 August 1955, the School of Textile Technology was formed with Professor Chaikin as the first head of school. Initially the school was located within the Faculty of Science, but on 14 May 1956 Council created the Faculty of Technology (resolution 761i) and the school was moved to this faculty. On 9 May 1960 Council changed the name of the faculty to the Faculty of Applied Science (resolution 60/55). On 9 September 1985 the School of Textile Technology was altered by Council from a school to a department within the newly created School of Fibre Science & Technology effective 1 January 1986 (resolution 85/96ci). Controlling Organisation: UNSW - c. 12/08/1955-31/12/1985
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    On 12 September 1949 Council resolved in principle that a chair of Metallurgy should be appointed (resolution 9). This was formally approved at Council's 14 November 1949 meeting (resolution 27). On 9 July 1951 R. H. Myers was appointed to the chair (resolution 134). He entered on duty on 3 May 1952 (UNSW: Its History & Progress) and thus the School of Metallurgy came into existence within the Faculty of Science from this date. On 14 May, 1956 the Faculty of Technology was formed by Council (resolution 761i) and the School of Metallurgy became one of the foundation schools within the new faculty. On 9 May, 1960, Council changed the name of the Faculty to the Faculty of Applied Science (resolution 60/55). On 9 September 1985 Council resolved to rename the school as the School of Materials Science & Engineering effective 1 January 1986 (resolution 85/96ci). At the 2 December, 1996 meeting of Council the Faculty of Applied Science was disestablished effective 1 July, 1997 (resolution CL96/88/4). As a result, from this date the School of Materials Science & Engineering was moved to the newly formed Faculty of Science & Technology. On 18 June, 2001 Council resolved to disestablish the Faculty of Science & Technology and create a new single model Faculty of Science effective from 1 July, 2001 - including the School of Materials Science & Engineering (resolution CL001/49). In 2007 the School of Materials Science & Engineering was headed by Professor Oleg Ostrovski. Subordinate agency: Department of Ceramic Engineering - 01/01/1980 - 31/12/1985 Subordinate agency: Department of Textile Technology - 01/07/1997 - 31/12/2000 Controlling Organisation: UNSW - 03/05/1952-
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    The establishment of the Centre for Entomological Research and Insecticide Technology (CERIT) within the Faculty of Biological Sciences was endorsed at the 13 August 1986 meeting of the Vice-Chancellor's Advisory Committee. The main aim of the Centre was to facilitate, co-ordinate and develop research and teaching within the university in the multidisciplinary areas of entomology and insecticide technology. The first Honorary Director of the Centre was Dr E. Shipp. At the 9 March, 1987 meeting of Council the faculty's name was altered to the Faculty of Biological & Behavioural Sciences (resolution 87/31). From 1 July 1987 Unisearch Ltd agreed to support the Centre and manage its administration on behalf of the university. The Centre thus became administratively a division of Unisearch from this date, although academically the Centre remained within the Faculty of Biological & Behavioural Sciences (files 850798 and 962450). At the 2 December 1996 meeting of Council the Faculty of Biological & Behavioural Sciences was disestablished effective 1 July 1997 (resolution CL96/88/4). As a result, from this date the Centre was academically administered by the Faculty of Life Sciences. On 18 June, 2001 Council resolved to disestablish the Faculty of Life Sciences and create a new single model Faculty of Science effective from 1 July, 2001 (resolution CL001/49). Thus from this date the Centre was academically administered by the Faculty of Science. On 16 December 2002 the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & International) approved the transfer of the Centre from Unisearch back to the university effective 1 January 2003. From this date it was situated wholly within the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & International) portfolio (file 2004/1672). From 16 April 2003 the name of the position was changed to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) (file 2003/0773). The Centre appears to have been closed effective 31 December 2006 (http://www.cerit.unsw.edu.au - accessed 2 July 2008). Controlling Organisation: UNSW - 13/08/1986-31/12/2006
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    On 8 July 1968 Council approved the creation of the Faculty of Biological Science effective from 1 July 1968 (resolution 68/108). At the same time the Department of Biochemical Engineering was redesignated the School of Biological Technology and became one of the first six schools within the new faculty. On 4 February 1980 Council changed the name of the school to the School of Biotechnology (resolution 80/14). On 9 September 1985 the school was redesignated the Department of Biotechnology and moved to the newly created School of Biological Technologies within the Faculty of Applied Science with effect from 1 January 1986 (resolution 85/96). Controlling Organisation: UNSW - 01/07/1968-31/12/1985
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    Archives Series
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    This series contains the booklet / leaflet collection of the Biotechnology and Biopressing Engineering Student Society (BABESOC) / Student Society for Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences (BABSOC). The material consists of printed documents outlining the activities of the Society. "The Biotechnology and Bioprocessing Engineering student society (BABESOC) was originally founded in 1996 in the then Department of Biotechnology within the Faculty of Life Sciences. In 2001, there was a major restructure where Life Sciences was merged with the Faculty of Applied Science to form the Faculty of Science. Following this merger, a new School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences (BABS) was established from the previous Department of Biotechnology School of Biochemistry, and School of Microbiology and Immunology. To cater for the larger student cohorts, the society was rebadged as BABSOC to include all undergraduate and postgraduate students currently studying a BABS taught course." (http://babsoc.com/about/)
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    On 9 September 1985 the School of Textile Technology was altered by Council from a school to a department within the newly created School of Fibre Science & Technology effective 1 January 1986 (resolution 85/96ci). At the 2 December, 1996 meeting of Council the Faculty of Applied Science was disestablished effective 1 July, 1997 (resolution CL96/88/4), as well as the School of Fibre Science & Technology (resolution CL96/88/4 & CL97/5). As a result, from this date the Department of Textile Technology was incorporated within the School of Materials Science & Engineering in the newly formed Faculty of Science & Technology. On 13 September 1999 Council resolved to disestablish the Department of Textile Technology on 31 December 2000 (resolution 99/55). Controlling Organisation: UNSW - 01/01/1986-31/12/2000