OCC Historic Materials Collection

Collection

Identifier: OCCR0004

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection consists of documents relating to the founding and early years of OCC up through 2021. The early years include founding documents, committee minutes, Board of Trustee elections, timelines, faculty and staff directories, and correspondence. Course materials developed by OCC's first two presidents, Dr. John E. Tirrell and Dr. Joseph E. Hill, document the College's unique instructional approach from 1965 through 1975. Dr. Tirrell championed the Audio-Tutorial Teaching Method later called the Learner-Centered Instructional Approach, while Dr. Hill integrated Dr. Tirrell's work into the Educational Sciences method. This was later known as the Personalized Education Program.

This collection also contains many brochures, flyers, and pamphlets from OCC's Community Services programs, OCC sponsored events, various departmental and student life events. Additionally, there is information documenting OCC's different campuses, commencements, student organizations, Police Academy, and CREST facilities.

Dates

1960 - 2021

Creator

Oakland Community College (Organization)

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Refer to the Oakland Community College Archives Rules for Use of Archival Materials. Restrictions: Researchers may encounter records of a sensitive nature – personnel files, case records and those involving investigations, legal and other private matters. Privacy laws and restrictions imposed by OCC prohibit the use of names and other personal information which might identify an individual, except with written permission from the Dean and/or the donor.

Biographical / Historical

On June 8, 1964, Oakland County voters overwhelmingly established funding for the Oakland Community College District. The College opened in September 1965, with an enrollment of 3,860 students on two campuses - Highland Lakes, a renovated hospital in Union Lake, and Auburn Hills, a former Army Nike missile site in Auburn Hills.

OCC's third campus, Orchard Ridge in Farmington Hills, opened in September 1967 and was followed by a Southeast Campus System based out of leased facilities in Oak Park. That system quickly expanded through the remodeling and purchase of buildings in Royal Oak (Royal Oak Campus), and the Oak Park location was replaced by a new campus facility in Southfield (Southfield Campus) in 1980. A new campus complex was built in Royal Oak in 1982.

Extent

15.5 Linear Feet (10 SB, 2 OS)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

The OCC Historic Materials Collection contains a wide variety of materials beginning with the inception of Oakland Community College up through the present day.