In the 1970s, with the advent of high-speed, relatively inexpensive photocopying machines, it became simple and affordable to produce large quantities of fliers.  Advertising habits subsequently employed on campus produced a great deal of waste and had a negative impact on the aesthetics of the university.  This created not only visual problems, but maintenance and waste management problems as well.

  To help combat this, the "Advertising Information Center" was formed in 1970; its major goal was to "provide an integrated approach to campus information and publicity dissemination."  As a result, a "campus sign" system (later dubbed "Diag boards"), University of Michigan Bus Advertising System, poster and flier route, system for approving banners, and advertising and consultation system were developed.  Originally, the funding for this system was provided by an allocation from the Office of Academic Affairs.  In 1974, the Board of Regents reaffirmed their decision in 1970, granting MAW (Michigan Advertising Works) the authority to manage a campus-wide information and publicity dissemination system.  In 1975, a fee structure was developed due to the cessation of funding from the Office of Academic Affairs.  With a few revisions, that fee structure has continued to this date.

  Prior to 1993, MAW was overseen by the Student Organization Development Center (now the Office of Student Activities & Leadership) and was staffed entirely by students.  MAW had a student manager who supervised the day-to-day operations and a staff advisor whose involvement was limited.  In September of 1993, MAW became part of the Michigan Union Arts and Programs Department, which later became University Unions Arts & Programs.  The position of student manager exists in a different capacity, and the staff advisor (manager) has a higher degree of involvement in the daily operations of the organization.

  The Michigan Union was renovated in 1996.  One of the most extensive phases of the renovation was the complete reformation of the 4th floor.  Over 50 student organization offices were remodeled, having previously been hotel rooms.  During the renovation process, several groups expressed the need for a central activity center.  MAW already provided some of the services that the activity center would offer, so MAW staff moved into the new facility.  Services and hours were expanded, and The SORC was born.