Fiona Magyar
Research Mentor: Emily Swafford
Mentor Department: Rackham Graduate School, Other
Author(s): Fiona Magyar , Emily Swafford
Session: Session 1 (9:00 AM – 9:50 AM)
Presentation Type:
Abstract
The primary focus of my study on Rackham is the changing processes of registration, degree completion, and dissertations. I hope to identify trends and patterns and place them in context of larger shifts. Materials studied include: Rackham’s official publications of announcements, bulletins, and handbooks (1883-2010), The Graduate School Guardian newspaper (1977-80), Rackham Student Government’s handbooks and newsletters (1969-78), internet archive captures, and handwritten records from the Office of the Registrar (1840-90). From announcing enrollment to the University President in 1880, to handing three mass-printed forms to an office secretary in 1950; from bound dissertations to microfilms to computer programs; petitions handwritten in loopy cursive, class cards, and surveys and politics in the student newspaper; through this project and the work of my team and mentor, I hope to outline a particular material angle of the UM graduate student experience throughout the past 150 years.
