Harold B. Lee Library

Brigham Young University Student Government

Introduction

Brigham Young University is a private university that seeks to develop students of faith, intellect and character who have the skills and the desire to continuing learning and to serve others throughout their lives. Tracing its roots to Utah’s rich pioneer heritage and to Brigham Young Academy, the original school established in 1875, the university continues to provide an outstanding education in an atmosphere consistent with the ideals and principles of its sponsor, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Student government began informally at Brigham Young University in 1909. It was reorganized and more formally structured in 1924, when it became known as the Student Body. Reorganization occurred again in 1933 with the inception of the Associated Students of Brigham Young University (ASBYU), which managed university social activities, culture, student relations and finances.  Change came again in 1988, when a new constitution and a new name were adopted to better reflect student government goals.  The Brigham Young University Student Service Association (BYUSA) still functions actively on campus. The remarkable history of Brigham Young University’s student government organizations can be uncovered through many of the collections held in the University Archives.  The following source materials can get you started on your exploration of the Brigham Young University student government.

Secondary Sources and General information

Collections held by the University Archives will be more useful to your specific research topic after you understand more about the general history of the university. The following resources are available to help you develop that understanding.

• Histories of Brigham Young University
  • Wilkinson, Ernest L. Brigham Young University: The First One Hundred Years (4 volumes). Provo, UT: Brigham Young University Press, 1975
  • Wilkinson, Ernest L. and W. Cleon Skousen. Brigham Young University: A School of Destiny.  Provo, UT: Brigham Young University Press, 1976

Primary Sources

• Sample materials dealing with the Brigham Young University student government: A sample of the materials that contain information about BYU student government organizations. To map out a research strategy, please schedule an appointment with the University Archivist at 422-5821 or gordon_daines@byu.edu for additional help in discovering what other collections we may have that pertain to your research topic.
  • UA 592 Associated Women Students of Brigham Young University: report This report lists the officers of the Associated Women Students of BYU for the years 1922-1956.
  • UA 1081 Histories, 1922-1986 The volumes in this collection contain meeting minutes, photocopies of newspaper articles, correspondence, brochures, pamphlets, and other miscellaneous items that were deemed to have a historical nature regarding the Associated Students of Brigham Young University.
  • UA 433 Constitution of the Associated Students of Brigham Young University, 1935 and 1962 Includes ASBYU constitutions for 1935 and 1962.
  • UA 376 Records and minutes of the Associated Men Students of BYU, 1941-1945 Includes minutes of meetings concerning Y-Day plans, social and activity surveys, tuxedo bureau, rules for song contests, ice carnival, skits, and radio programs.
  • BX 8608 .A1 no.3827 A.M.S. and you A booklet published in 1960 giving general information to students about the Associated Men Students council and information regarding the activities sponsored by the association.
  • BX 8660 .A1a no.20 The purposes and philosophies of student government. Talks given at the dedication of the Ernest L. Wilkinson center by J. Elliot Cameron, Dean of Students [and] Bruce L. Olsen, ASBYU President Addresses regarding the responsibilities of youth, emphasizing leadership, and student government as it functions at a university.  Olsen speaks of his presidency and the dedication of a building pivotal to student government.
  • LD 571 .B6741 A8 1977 Associated Students of Brigham Young University studentbody history Includes meeting minutes and agendas, an outline of ASBYU sponsored programs and events, and council activities for the 1976-77 academic school year.
  • LD 571 .B6741 A86x 1988 Success comes through service: ASBYU Student Community Services history 1987-1988 Describes the activities, service opportunities and different programs implemented at Brigham Young University by the Associated Students of Brigham Young University from 1987 to 1988. Includes newspaper articles, copies of posters and pictures of different service projects and activities.
  • UA 1018 Proposal for new student association, 1988 This proposal relates the reasons behind a student association and then goes into detail concerning the structure and mission of the new student service association that was to be formed.
  • UA 5405 BYUSA Clubs papers This collection from contains materials concerning clubs on campus administered by Brigham Young University Student Association (BYUSA). The collection is arranged into 2 series and includes administrative information, correspondence, club charters, financial records, and other materials.
    • UA 5405 Series I Individual BYUSA clubs papers Collection of memoranda, articles, club charters, financial records, advertisements, advisor’s contracts, office files, probation information, newspaper clippings, and other materials relating to student clubs on campus, arranged alphabetically.
    • UA 5405 Series II All history of BYUSA club activities papers Collection of materials concerning various aspects of BYUSA clubs including fund-raising, administration, inactive clubs, dangerous clubs, clubs week, copying records, memoranda, articles, agency account forms, other BYUSA associations, lesson materials, non-approved charters, politics, press relations, advertising, awards, banquets, correspondence, budget, restructuring, approvals, requests, policy, and other materials.
  • UA 1329 BYUSA records, 1988-1991 The collection contains one series. I. BYUSA Student Files, 1988-1991. The series contains information related to the Multicultural Services and BYUSA. The series has reports, financial reports, letters, pamphlets, and scholarship information.

This Popular Search Topics page offers only samplings of materials included in the University Archives that document the evolution of Brigham Young University student government organizations. Be sure to visit Special Collections to discover other material.