Universiteitsarchief UGent

Shortly after the Second World War, Ghent University started collecting its archives. Until 1947 , the oldest archival documents were kept in crates in the then rectorate building in Voldersstraat. After the tenure of Rector E. Blancquaert, these crates were transferred to the University Library, preserving valuable and unique pieces such as the student registers and record books.

In 1954, the chief librarian KG Van Acker took the initiative to make the archive more accessible to the public. This was undertaken by students in 1955. Prof. J. Dhondt appointed the archives’ first staff member in 1964 and the rectorate correspondence was opened to public consultation.

At this time, increasing bureaucratisation meant that the university administration was confronted with a growing mountain of paperwork. This led to the establishment of the University Archives in 1972 as a 'central' service under the supervision of Prof. K. De Clerck. The new service was housed in a wing of the Rommelaere complex on Baertsoenkaai.

Since the creation of the University Archives, several initiatives have been taken to bring its academic heritage to the attention of the general public. In 1976, the University began publishing a series works that highlighted various facets of the institution’s history. In addition, several exhibitions were organised.

In the spring of 1980 the University Archives moved to the Pand (Onderbergen) and in 1987 it was given a permanent home in the basement of the rectorate building in Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat. An additional depot space was provided on the university campus on Krijgslaan (building S8).

The collection of the University Archives consist of the archives of its governing bodies the administration, the faculties, the academic departments, university associations and student records.

The oldest documents date back to the foundation of the university in 1817. In total, the collection covers three kilometers.

The Ghent University Archives are currently working on an online collection portal. In the meantime, a overview of the University's collections can be found here:

https://www.ugent.be/nl/univgent/voorzieningen/collecties/archief/collectie/overzicht.htm