The Basic College was "designed to provide students with a sound foundation on which to build an intelligent interest in personal, family, vocational, social, and civic problems, a better understanding of these problems, and a greater ability to cope with them" ("The Basic College of Michigan State," Bagwell, et al., page 8).  It required students during their first two years to take classes in the natural sciences, social sciences and humanities before deciding on a field of specialization. In 1960 the Basic College became the University College. In 1980 the University College was dissolved due to changing times and needs, but its four basic departments were attached to other Colleges.



View the finding aid for the University College Records (UA 15.5)