Physics and Astronomy Department Collection, 1985-ongoing

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: MSU Archives Collection 113

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection is composed of Physics and Astronomy Departments office records, including correspondence and departmental meeting minutes. They are organized alphabetically first, and then chronologically by year.

These records provide information on critical periods in the history of the Physics and Astronomy Department as reorganization and restructuring of departments at Mankato State University led to debate. Also, debate surrounding “affirmative action” in the hiring of faculty in the College is also reflected. Finally, much information on the budget crises of the University during this period is also reflected.

Dates

1985-Ongoing

Creator

Minnesota State University, Mankato (Organization)

Biographical / Historical

Courses in physics were first offered at the Mankato State Teachers College in 1936, offering a major in 1938. Astronomy began to be taught in 1952, but a minor program was not begun until 1970, expanding to a major in 1975. Both started as part of the Division of Science and Mathematics, later part of the College of Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Home Economics.

Growing demand for technological offerings led to the creation of School of Physics, Engineering and Technology in 1985. Originally, astronomy was included in the Mathematics Department, part of the College of Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Home Economics while the Physics Department was part of the College of Physics, Engineering, and Technology. However, in 1994 these two colleges were merged into a single college, the College of Science, Engineering, and Technology. The next year, the astronomy program was relocated from the Department of Mathematics, Astronomy, and Statistics and merged with the Department of Physics, creating the current Physics and Astronomy Department. The department offers undergraduate programs in Physics and Astronomy, and a graduate program in Physics.

Physics and Astronomy Department Website http://cset.mnsu.edu/pa/

Extent

1.00 Cubic Feet (2 Hollinger Boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

The collection consists of items from the Physics and Astronomy Department at Minnesota State University, Mankato. The collection is made up of correspondence, office meeting minutes and memorandums, and a graduate program brochure.