The University Committee on History and Traditions was appointed by University of Michigan President James J. Duderstadt in 1991 to facilitate the preservation, promotion, and appreciation of the history and traditions of the University of Michigan as a leading institution of higher learning and education. Some of the activities the committee has undertaken in order to promote aspects of the university’s history include a marker program, an oral history program, and the presentation of certificates of recognition to persons and units for their contributions to the celebration of the university’s history.

The committee also works with university schools, colleges, departments, and units in activities to promote their history, as well as facilitating a variety of activities related to the preservation of historic artifacts, and providing advice and guidance to the university administration and the university community in general on many issues related to history and traditions. Reappointed by President Lee Bollinger in 1998, the History and Traditions Committee continues its work under the guidance of President Mary Sue Coleman.

Charge to the History and Traditions Committee

Purpose

• The Committee, advisory to the President of the University on matters relating to the history and traditions of the university, seeks to facilitate the preservation, promotion, and appreciation of the history and traditions of the University of Michigan as a leading institution of higher learning and education.

Reporting

• The Committee reports to the President of the University. It will record its activities and annually present a written summary of those activities to the President

Membership

• The Committee will consist of six to ten members, including the Director of the Bentley Historical Library. Members will be appointed by the President for terms of one to three years. The President shall appoint the chair of the Committee.

Responsibilities and Activities

• To advise the President on issues that arise where reference to the history and traditions of the University may be relevant.
• To foster an appreciation of the contributions, including intellectual, and traditions of previous generations to the University community.
• To review, at the request of the President, major activities that address issues and/or artifacts relevant to the history of the University.
• To recognize efforts to promote aspects of University history.
• To identify historical and preservation projects and to help oversee their implementation as deemed appropriate given the expertise represented on the Committee and the resources available to the Committee.
• To generate, where appropriate, projects of historical significance and to set up subcommittees or task forces to oversee their implementation.
• To designate and approve historical sites, to develop the design and text of historical markers for those sites, and to plan appropriate dedicatory programs.
• To encourage the University's Schools and Colleges and campus organizations to preserve and promote their own history of intellectual leadership through programs, publications, and exhibits.
• To assume other responsibilities as determined by the President

_{Adopted September 27, 2004.}