The Division of Student Life Studies (SLS) was established in 1967 within the Office of the Dean of Students. In 1969, it was transferred to the Office of Student Affairs upon the retirement of Dean Edmund G. Williamson.
According to the University of Minnesota President's Report, 1966-1968, during its first year "Student Life Studies staff worked with students and staff members to identify and define problems relevant to the University, to design research and development means for gathering information; to collect, analyze and interpret interpretations of research results to staff members and students and on facilitating the incorporation of research results into the decision-making process."
Issues addressed that year included student freedom, student power and demonstrations, academic underachievement, student finance, the open/closed door question in residence halls, coeducational housing, the role of religious foundations in the University, characteristics of economically underprivileged students and examinations for learning resulting from nonclassroom experiences.
Ralph Berdie was the first director. In 1979, the name was changed to Student Life Studies and Planning.
From the guide to the Student Life Studies Division records, 1968-1978, (University of Minnesota Libraries. University of Minnesota Archives [uarc])
