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The Administrative Files, 1964-1986 of Dean Metcalf (6.5 linear feet, received in the 1989-89 accession) cover a diverse range of topics. While the vast majority of the material dates from Metcalf's deanship, a few folders date from earlier periods when Metcalf was a faculty member or chairman of the Department of Architecture. In general, the administrative files relate to the internal organization of the College of Architecture and Urban Planning and to Dean Metcalf's participation in various professional organizations. Very little information exists here on Metcalf's private practice as an architect. The researcher should also note that post-1974 executive committee meeting minutes and faculty meeting minutes were not included in this accession.

Perhaps the best overviews of the college during the Metcalf years can be gleaned from the "College of Architecture and Design Review Committee Report" (April 11, 1974), the so-called Norman Report, and from subsequent accreditation plans and reports. Since the reorganization of the college, the move to North Campus, and the search for a new dean were all happening simultaneously in 1974, file folder titles indicating one of these subjects may contain some information on all three events.

For information on actual and proposed organizational changes in the college around 1974, the researcher should consult the Norman Report and "Environmental Programs - University of Michigan." Attempts to find a university-wide organizational scheme, which would consolidate environmental programs, led to new proposals after 1974 for a further restructuring of the college (see Administrative History). Although the College of Environmental Resources, Planning and Design never materialized it was seriously considered. As a consequence, thoughtful discussions on the overall direction of the architectural profession took place at that time and are documented in these files. The lengthy debates regarding reorganization of the college also led to a delay in the selection of a new dean which is documented in the "Dean, Search Committee" files. For those interested in interdisciplinary programs, which emerged especially after 1976, "Joint Ventures and Dual-Degree Programs" should be consulted.

The researcher who is interested in architectural education during the Metcalf era should study those files found under the heading, "Students: Education and Related Activities." Although there is no useful summary of curriculum changes for the period, the Educational Program Committee (E.P.C.) files contain correspondence on the merits of new course offerings and note yearly changes in the education program. Information on student internships can be found in the Intern Programs files. Material on Project GROW and the North Central Property Owners Association can be found among the Projects and Community Service files. "Minority Enrollment" files (separate topical heading) document efforts of the college to attract and hold minority students. Correspondence regarding faculty informational visits to Detroit public schools, meetings with black alumni, and annual statistical reports are included here.

The Annual Files under the heading "Research Activities" record the expanding volume and scope of research at the college during the 1974-1986 period. Architectural research projects predominate in these files, but scattered urban planning research projects are also included, especially during the 1980s. Perhaps the best general surveys of architectural research at the college can be obtained from the "Research Program Review, 1979" and from the reports, "Development Needs of the Architecture and Planning Research Laboratory" (November 1982) and "Functional and Space Needs of the Architecture and Planning Research Laboratory" (May 1983). While several projects undertaken by the Architecture and Planning Laboratory are documented under the heading "Research Activities," folders under "Energy Efficiency Programs" should also be consulted to study lab projects.

Information on certification for architects can be found under "Michigan Board of Registration for Architects." Dean Metcalf was a prominent member of the Board of Registration and actively involved in examination procedures and licensing requirements. His views on these subjects can be found in his correspondence as a board member and as a member of the Sunset Legislation Committee. His remarks to the "Michigan Society of Architects Panel on Registration" in 1977 also address the issue of certification