Due to the wide scope and extensive nature of materials being covered within this collection, the Academic Affairs collection has been divided into six series. Items in each series have been arranged alphabetically. These five series, some of which are very large, provide the best possible means for organizing a massive collection with numerous original filing systems. Original order has been preserved when possible to provide a collection that is usable and understandable for researchers. The series are as follows:

Restricted, 1963-Ongoing: Items in this series include promotion and tenure documents. Bush and faulty improvement grants, grievances, and sabbatical leave materials. Special usage requirements exist for this series and access is granted at the discretion of the archivist.

Curriculum Materials, 1964-Ongoing: This series' materials are primarily limited to semester conversion materials and meet and confer minutes discussing undergraduate and graduate curriculum. A small set of records exist from the Curriculum Advisory Committee and the Program Advisory Committee. These two groups of materials examine curriculum beyond just that of MSU, but contain within them MSU curriculum material.

Correspondence, 1955-Ongoing: The correspondence contained within this series covers many years and includes incoming and outgoing mail from the Vice President of Academic Affairs as well as from incoming correspondence from various university departments. Much of this correspondence is cataloged in "Chron Books" for trouble-free reference and access. Also included in correspondence are minutes from the Dean's Council, IFO Meet and Confer, and the Vice President's meetings. 2019-04-03

Subject Files, 1945-Ongoing: This series is conglomeration of materials sorted by the Academic Affairs office as well as miscellaneous files that do not fit under the rubric of any of the other series. Topics rangefrom the 504 Committee Correspondences to the introduction of Xerox machines at the University. Though separate series exist for correspondence, reports, studies, surveys, program reviews, and curriculum materials, they are present throughout this series. In an effort to maintain the original order of the collection, this series, which had been sorted alphabetically by the Academic Affairs office, has been left largely intact and unaltered.

Reports, Studies, Surveys, Programs Reviews, 1916-Ongoing: External and internal review and analysis of the University is an ongoing process necessary to maintain standards of academic excellence. This extensive series chronicles the lengthy process of accreditation for departments throughout the university and the continual efforts of self-evaluation through program reviews to ensure progressive development. Also included are various surveys and reports concerned with strategic planning, field studies, and many other issues.

Higher Learning Commission Visit Reference Materials, 2006: This series is composed of materials printed for the HLC visit in 2006. Individual items within this series may date back ten years or more, but folders have been left undated as all included materials were printed and used in 2006. Relevant data on departments and offices is present in this series.