Search

The Central Files series (12.5 linear ft., 1984-1997) is the main administrative file of the division. It is organized into two subseries, 1984-1992 and 194-1997, reflecting different accessions. Each subseries is organized in a number of sub-subseries including: Historical Files, Audit records, Budgets, Committees-ITD, Committees-University-Wide, Correspondence and Topical file.

Historical files are mainly news clippings featuring computing at the University of Michigan and organizational charts for 1985 to 1991. Audits include thorough reports on 1985 to 1987 external audits of ITD operations (including ITD responses) and a 1991 ITD response to an internal audit. There is also some information on a Medical Information Systems audit. (Note: The subseries does not include records on the 1992/93 audit following allegations of ITD overcharges to federally sponsored projects.) Budgets, 1985 to 1991, include correspondence and reports on the ITD budget process, as well as some background information.

The Committees sub-subseries is further divided into ITD Committees and University-wide committees. Files of the Computing Policy Committee (CPC), Information Technology General Council (ITGC), Information Technology Policies Committee (ITPC), and Executive Computing Committee (ECC) provide the broadest overview of campus information technology issues and are among the most significant. Also important are the files of the Information Technology Architecture Committee (ITAC), formed in 1986 to provide the functional and broad technical specifications for the systems implemented by ITD over the next several years, and the Strategic Planning Committee files. The latter include minutes, Van Houweling's notes, and drafts of the 1989 report "Strategic Directions for Information Technology at the University of Michigan." The Senior Managers Committee files, which include minutes of monthly meetings and several retreats, offer the best source on internal management of ITD.

Topical files are arranged alphabetically. Significant files include Grants, ITD Vision Statement, MEET:STUDENTS Computer Conference, Policy Statements, Supercomputers, and Van Houweling. Grant files provide examples of the types of projects encouraged and supported by ITD, promoting the educational use of information technology. The ITD Vision statement file consists of notes for a 1990 presentation by Van Houweling. MEET:STUDENTS records document the controversy over the appearance of allegedly racist and sexist comments in the "Bad Joke" item of an ITD sponsored computer conference. Included is the text of the item, correspondence, memoranda and a printout of a discussion about the controversy from online discussion in the MEET:PLANNERS computer conference. The MEET:PLANNERS discussion raises issues of free speech, acceptable behavior on computer conferences and ITD's response to the controversy.

Policy Statements contain a number of ITD policies on the use of computing facilities including: "Conditions of Use," "Proper Use of Information Resources," "Information Technology and Networks," and "Guidelines for Interaction with Corporate Representatives." There is also a small file on ITD policy relating to Freedom of Information Act Requests. (Note: The records do not include files on the 1992 to 1994 FOIA requests arising from a controversy over access to private computer conferences.) The Supercomputer files document ITD's unsuccessful bid to become host for one of six NSF supercomputing sites in 1986. The Van Houweling files include biographical material, resumes, a May 1989 interview transcript and two folders of speeches and articles.

Other files of interest in Topical Files include material on ITD's 1989 reorganization and Research Resources, a printout describing resources of the Computing Center and resources available in various colleges and departments. The last of these includes an overview of the development of computing at Michigan and describes the machines, programs, and services available in 1985.