About University Archives

The University Archives consists of records, documents, and publications created by Coastal Carolina University administrators, deans, directors, faculty, staff, and students. University records and publications of enduring value are collected, preserved, and made accessible regardless of their format. Collections and publications in the university archive are located in several places on campus and require retrieval time; therefore, appointments to use materials are encouraged.

The University Archives consists of:

University Records

University records are materials that allow the university to conduct its business. The materials are created by university offices and individual employees. Once records of enduring value are no longer regularly needed by offices and individuals, they may be transferred to the university archive. These materials become the collection of records documenting the office's or individual's activities at the university. Collections are arranged and described in finding aids that researchers may use to gain access to the materials.

The "How to ID a Record" document will help you identify university records in your office.

University Publications

University publications and some university-wide reports in the university archive are entered into the Kimbel Library catalog. Materials identified with the location of 'CCU Collect.' in the catalog are located in the University Archive and Special Collections department. Many materials have a duplicate copy available for circulation from the library's main collection. It is helpful to know the precise title of the publication or report when searching the catalog.

Examples of university publications and reports listed in the catalog include: Student theses, the Chanticleer (student newspaper), Atheneum (yearbooks), catalogs, bulletins, fact books, commencement programs, and accreditation reports.

Records Management

Records management oversees the maintenance, destruction, and preservation of records in accordance with state laws. At Coastal Carolina University, records management activities are the responsibility of the Office of Institutional Research. Please see their website and contact them for more information.

Transferring Materials

University records that are identified as having enduring or historic value are transferred to the University Archives. Please read through the "Transfer Guidelines" document and use the Transfer Agreement Form to transfer materials. The Archivist will work with your office to transfer the materials to the archives.

University History

In July 1954, a junior college called Coastal Carolina College was established with the guidance and support of many Horry County residents. Three months later, the college opened its doors to fifty-three students as a branch campus of the College of Charleston, a partnership that lasted four years. After two years of independence, in the fall of 1960 Coastal Carolina College joined the University of South Carolina system as a branch campus. The college became Coastal Carolina University and an independent institution of higher education on July 1, 1993. Today, the university has more than 8,000 full-time students enrolled and offers baccalaureate degrees in more than 50 major fields of study and 7 masters degrees.

Click here for more a more detailed history or read Roy Talbert's Coastal Carolina: The First 50 Years.