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RIT School of Applied Industrial Studies records

 Collection — Box: 1
Identifier: RITArc-0389

Scope and Contents

The School of Applied Industrial Studies records contain curriculum information, financial records, correspondence, clippings and promotions. The bulk of the collection contains information about the Economic Development Administrative Grant. This includes the official grant proposal. There are also correspondence and meeting reports listing early private and public donors. Finally, the collection contains architectural plans, blue prints and bid proposals related to the decision to use 50 West Main St. as the school’s headquarters.

Dates

  • Creation: 1971-1988

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open to researchers.

Biographical / Historical

The School of Applied Industrial Studies was proposed in 1977, and was initially named the “Contemporary Mechanics Institute.” The formation began when leaders of industry in Rochester, New York felt there was a need for a certificate program in basic mechanical fields to ensure the success of Rochester industry for the future. A part of the College of Continuing Education, many certificates and diplomas were offered in fields such as: Machine Tool Technology, Drafting and Design, Electomechanical, Precision Sheet Metal and Welding. The school applied for an Economic Development Administrative Grant in 1979 and received $3 million. This helped to establish the campus located at 50 West Main Street in downtown Rochester. In December of 1979 classes began. Initially only 30 students were enrolled, but that number quickly grew. James D. Forman was appointed director in 1980. 1983 saw peak enrollment with a total of 215 students enrolled. However, enrollment began to decline soon after and the decision was made in the winter of 1987 to accept no more applicants. The last class graduated August 19, 1988. Forman blamed rising tuition costs and fewer available jobs in these fields for the school's demise. There were over 800 graduates from 1979-1988.

Extent

1.3 Linear Feet (1 document box)

Language

English

Overview

The collection includes various documents, clippings, publications, committee reports, program proposals, correspondence, financial records and grant proposals all related to the School of Applied Industrial Studies at RIT. This collection spans from 1971-1988.

Arrangement

The materials are contained within 18 folders. The folders are arranged by subject and chronologically within each folder.

Other Finding Aids

In addition to this finding aid, an inventory is available below. For more information, please contact the RIT Archive Collections.

RIT School of Applied Industrial Studies records

Processing Information

Finding aid created by Emily Kolenberg in July 2012.

Title
School of Applied Industrial Studies records
Status
Published
Subtitle
RIT Archives
Author
Emily Kolenberg
Date
09 July 2012
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script
Language of description note
English

Repository Details

Part of the RIT Archives Repository

Contact:
Rochester NY 14623 USA