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University of Virginia History

Resources for researching the institution and its individuals

Researching with the University Archives

The University Archives documents the rich history of the University of Virginia from its founding to the present day. Housed in the Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library, the collection consists of historical records that are generated by or document the activities of students, faculty, and administrators of the University.  When records are no longer active and deemed to be of lasting value, they are transferred to the University Archives. The collection consists of a wide range of materials but does not include everything created by or about the University. Student records, materials with personally identifiable information, and documents containing sensitive information are not maintained by the library. Use this page of the guide to learn about finding information on an individual who attended or graduated from UVA

Photo by Sanjay Suchak, University Communications

Navigating the University Archives:  

The University Archives is made up of many collections organized into record groups. Record groups organize materials from the same areas and functions of UVA. For example, materials from the Office of the President are organized under Record Group 2 (RG-2). For each record group, you’ll find many different finding aids, or guides, that explain what is included in each record group. Learn more about the contents of the University Archives and view a list of record groups (also provided below). 

Search our finding aids in these two databases:  

  • Archival Resources of the Virginias (ARVAS): a consolidated database of finding aids that provides information about manuscripts and archival materials housed in Virginia and West Virginia. Includes detailed guides to the Papers of the President of the University of Virginia.  

  • Archives at UVA: a database for discovering archival materials added to our collections after 2016.  

  • Finding aids are also available in print in the Special Collections Reading Room

Useful resources within the University Archive include:  

  • Ready Reference materials: a selection of books, student theses, and reports relevant to UVA’s history. These are available within the Special Collections reading room.  

  • Board of Visitors minutes: available online and in Special Collections. These can be a helpful starting point in finding other relevant records within the University Archives.  

The University Archives are non-circulating and must be viewed onsite in the Special Collections Reading Room. Visit the Special Collections website to register and request items.  

Questions? Submit an Online Reference Form or email university.archives@virginia.edu.  

Record Groups

RG-1
THE RECTOR AND VISITORS
RG-2
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
RG-3
OFFICE OF THE PROVOST
RG-4
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR ADMINISTRATION (formerly Executive Vice President)
RG-5
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR BUSINESS AND FINANCE
RG-6
SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
RG-7
SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE
RG-8
McINTIRE SCHOOL OF COMMERCE
RG-9
COLGATE W. DARDEN GRADUATE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
RG-10
CURRY SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
RG-11
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND APPLIED SCIENCES
RG-12
UNIVERSITY LIBRARY
RG-13
SUMMER SESSION
RG-14
THE REGISTRAR
RG-15
CENTER FOR PUBLIC SERVICE (formerly Institute of Government; Bureau of Public Administration)
RG-16
DIVISION OF CONTINUING EDUCATION
RG-17
VICE PRESIDENT FOR HEALTH AFFAIRS
RG-18
OFFICE OF STUDENT AFFAIRS
RG-19
FACULTIES
RG-20
ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEES
RG-22
STUDENTS AND ALUMNI PAPERS
RG-23
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
RG-24
UNIVERSITY ORGANIZATIONS
RG-25
VICE PRESIDENT FOR DEVELOPMENT
RG-26
ORAL HISTORY RECORDS
RG-27
ATHLETIC PROGRAMS
RG-28
YMCA
RG-29
FACULTY ORGANIZATIONS
RG-30
ADMINISTRATION, OPERATIONS, AND EXTRANEOUS RECORDS
RG-31
FACILITIES MANAGEMENT (formerly Physical Plant and Properties)
RG-32
SCHOOL OF LAW
RG-33
WHITE BURKETT MILLER CENTER OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS
RG-34
DEAN OF WOMEN
RG-35
OFFICE OF THE ARCHITECT 
RG-36
FRANK BATTEN SCHOOL OF LEADERSHIP AND PUBLIC POLICY 
RG-37
VICE PRESIDENT FOR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 
RG-38 
SCHOOL OF DATA SCIENCE 
RG-39 
OFFICE OF MAJOR EVENTS 
RG-40
FINANCE 
RG-41
UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS 
RG-50 
MATERIALS RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY FROM MULTIPLE SOURCES