BYU Student Life
Introduction
Brigham Young University is a private university that seeks to develop students of faith, intellect and character who have the skills and the desire to continuing learning and to serve others throughout their lives. Tracing its roots to Utah’s rich pioneer heritage and to Brigham Young Academy, the original school established in 1875, the university continues to provide an outstanding education in an atmosphere consistent with the ideals and principles of its sponsor, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Brigham Young University’s remarkable history can be uncovered through many of the collections held in the University Archives. The following source materials can get you started on your exploration of Brigham Young University’s heritage.
Secondary Sources and General information
Collections held by the University Archives will be more useful to your specific research topic after you understand more about the general history of the university. The following resources are available to help you develop that understanding.
- Histories of Brigham Young University
- Wilkinson, Ernest L. Brigham Young University: The First One Hundred Years (4 volumes) Provo, UT: Brigham Young University Press, 1975
- Wilkinson, Ernest L. and W. Cleon Skousen Brigham Young University: A School of Destiny Provo, UT: Brigham Young University Press, 1976
- Bergera, Gary James and Ron Priddis Brigham Young University: A House of Faith Salt Lake City, UT: Signature Books, 1985
- Waterman, Bryan and Brian Kagel The Lord’s University: Freedom and Authority at BYU Salt Lake City, UT: Signature Books, 1998
- Sample collections dealing with Brigham Young University buildings
A sample of the collections that contain information on the buildings of Brigham Young University follows. This sampling is not comprehensive. Please see the entries for “students” in the Guide to Processed Collections in the University Archives for further information. To map out a research strategy, please schedule an appointment with the University Archivist at 422-5821 or gordon_daines@byu.edu for additional help in discovering what other collections we may have that pertain to your research topic.
- Associated Students of Brigham Young University Histories, 1922-1986 (UA 1081)
The volumes in this collection contain meeting minutes, photocopies of newspaper articles, correspondence, brochures, pamphlets, and other miscellaneous items that were deemed to have a historical nature.
- "Coeds living on fifty cents a day, 1958" (UA 384)
Articles and correspondence regarding several coeds who fed themselves for fifty cents daily.
- Brigham Young Academy. Minutes of the Commitee of the B.Y. Academy, Jan. 18, 1878 (UA 342)
Contains minutes of a social committee planning a party for BYA students of 1878.
- Brigham Young University. Single photo file, 1890s-1980s (UA 869)
Contains images of students, faculty, activities, and organizations at Brigham Young University. Includes images of alumni; student officers; Alpine Summer School; assemblies; devotionals; BYU Bookstore; BYU-Hawaii; campus royalty; views of campus, including aerial views; building dedications; cheerleaders and other pep groups; Cosmo, the school mascot; individual colleges; dance groups; live cougars; exhibits; faculty; Board of Trustees; homecoming parades; Leadership Week; Education Week; ROTC; instrumental and vocal performing groups; dramatic productions; school registration; Program Bureau; clubs; debate team; Benjamin Cluff's South American expedition; Timp Hike; and Y-Day.
- Brigham Young University. Emphemera, 1931- (UA 829)
The ephemera files contain flyers and mailings given to students and faculty on campus dealing with upcoming events, bookstore sales, clubs, and off-campus activities, etc.
- Associated Students of Brigham Young University Histories, 1922-1986 (UA 1081)
This Popular Search Topics page offers only samplings of materials included in the University Archives. To examine the complete collection inventory (and any other additional manuscript materials related to this topic), go to the L. Tom Perry Special Collections EAD Search page, and enter the term "Brigham Young University Student Life".