Canberra University College 1930-1960

Brief History

The Canberra University College (CUC), established to provide undergraduate university education in Canberra, took its first students in 1930. For most of its history, students were part-time. The CUC operated in association with the University of Melbourne, whereby students sat for University of Melbourne examinations and graduated from that institution. In late 1960, the CUC amalgamated with the Australian National University (ANU) to become the School of General Studies within ANU. More on structure and staff.

Records held by the University Archives

Various records and published sources created by the CUC have survived and have been transferred to the University Archives. They include Annual Reports, calendars, Council minutes, official files, some teaching material, student records, the CUC Gazette, and photographs. Subject files maintained by the Principal, Professor Herbert (Joe) Burton are held and taped reminiscences of Tom Owen, the Registrar.

Transcripts of interviews for the ANU Oral History Project also contain information relating to the CUC. Some interviewees, including Herbert (Joe) Burton, Manning Clark and Heinz Arndt were members of CUC staff.

The Archives also holds some publications of the CUC Students' Association including the student newspaper, Woroni, for 1954-2006 and the literary journal, Prometheus, for 1933-1972.

Records held elsewhere

University of Melbourne Archives

These include student cards 1947-1952. UMA also holds other official records relating to the academic direction of the CUC. There may be material relevant to CUC in various UMA personal papers, such as those of Professor RD Wright, Chancellor of the University of Melbourne.

National Library of Australia

These include the records of the University Association and the papers of Charles Daley, a significant figure in the development of Canberra who was a member of the CUC Council. The NLA also holds the personal papers of a number of academics who taught at CUC, including foundation professors Manning Clark, AD Hope, Heinz Arndt and LF Crisp.

National Archives of Australia

These include other papers of Charles Daley, including his copies of minutes of the CUC Council. They also include records of Commonwealth Government agencies responsible for education and the development of Canberra.