Department of Military Science Collection
Scope and Contents
The Department of Military Science Collection contains materials related to the history of military-related activities at the University of Northern Iowa, as well as records concerning the development, history, and activities of the campus’ ROTC program. The collection is arranged into two series. The first, Department of Military Science records, contains Panther Tracks newsletters; memos, a 1986 contract from the Department of the Army recognizing UNI’s Senior ROTC host unit; correspondence and other paperwork about obtaining ROTC host status on campus. It additionally contains materials about the early history and efforts to start up ROTC at UNI, including surveys and opposition to the program. Also included are ephemeral materials, such as programs, invites, and brochures. The materials in this series overlap with those in series 2. Series 2, Unit History File, contains yearly folders compiled by the unit members themselves to track and maintain historical records and the unit’s organizational history. This policy was required by the Department of the Army under its Army Files Maintenance and Disposition Program. The files are arranged chronologically and contain historical narratives of military training and ROTC throughout UNI’s history; reports; Senate minutes; clippings and articles from campus publications; notes; student surveys; photographs; and correspondence. The series also includes materials that pre-date the establishment of ROTC at UNI; please see box 3 for details.
Dates
- 1971-2016
Creator
- University of Northern Iowa. Department of Military Science (Person)
- University of Northern Iowa. Army ROTC (Organization)
Language of Materials
Materials entirely in English.
Conditions Governing Access
No restrictions. Materials are open for research.
Technical Access
Materials in box 4 are recorded on VHS tapes and require special playback equipment for access and use. It may require the production of a viewing copy. SC&UA staff will determine options for use on a case by case basis.
General Use, Reproduction, and Copyright Policies
Many items housed in the Rod Library Special Collections & University Archives, including unpublished images and manuscripts, may be protected by copyright, publication rights, trademarks, or model release rights which the library does not own and for which the library cannot grant permission or licensing. Materials currently under copyright are usually still available for research and limited reproduction under Fair Use laws. However, it is the sole responsibility of the patron to determine whether or not their use of a given material falls within Fair Use guidelines and to obtain permission for said use from the rightful copyright owner.
Sensitive Materials Statement
Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy or similar laws, and the Iowa Open Records Law (see Iowa Code § 22.7). Researchers are advised that the disclosure of certain information pertaining to identifiable living individuals represented in this collection without the consent of those individuals may have legal ramifications (e.g., a cause of action under common law for invasion of privacy may arise if facts concerning an individual's private life are published that would be deemed highly offensive to a reasonable person) for which the University of Northern Iowa assumes no responsibility.
Biographical / Historical
The Department of Military Science and the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) have a long history at the University of Northern Iowa, through the university’s various roles and participation in global wars. This collection specifically relates to the department and the ROTC; materials related to other military topics are located elsewhere in University Archives. The UNI Faculty Senate approved the establishment of ROTC in April 1981 and the Department of Military Science began its operations later that year, in August 1981. UNI’s ROTC program commissioned its first officers in May 1983 and was named a Senior ROTC Host Unit in October 1986. Its stated goals are to enhance students’ education through leadership development and management training, while simultaneously earning their college degree and an Army officer commission. Throughout its history, the UNI Panther Battalion has built upon this mission as well as hosted various events, including balls, commissions, and more.
Extent
1.25 Linear Feet (4 boxes)
Arrangement
Series 1: Department of Military Science records Series 2: Unit History File
Processing Information
Collection processed and finding aid written by Archival Processor Tessa Wakefield, April 2022.
- A June 2, 1946 copy of The Stars and Stripes Mediterranean Edition U.S. Forces newspaper was deaccessioned in April 2022, due to poor condition. Issues of the Stars and Stripes may be accessed through the NewspaperArchive, among other archives.
- Title
- Department of Military Science Collection
- Language of description
- Undetermined
- Script of description
- Code for undetermined script