Dive into UF History
Start your research into UF's history with these frequently used resources.
Frequently Used Resources
In addition to our finding aids and film and video catalog, there are several other frequently used resources that can be used to learn more about the history of the University of Florida. The resources listed on this page are great starting points for your research on the University.
The Independent Florida Alligator archives. The Alligator is the student newspaper of the University of Florida, and has been in production since 1906. This collection comprises digital copies of the entire run of the Alligator, from 1906 to the present.
The Seminole and The Tower (yearbooks). The Seminole was published from 1910-1973, with the exception of 1944. The Tower was published from 1983-2008, and was revived again in 2020. More information on the history of the yearbooks’ publication can be seen here.
University Archives Photograph Collection. The University of Florida Archives Photograph Collection contains historic images of the university and its predecessors. It is the most frequently used component of the University Archives and documents many significant events of the university’s past. In addition to images of places and buildings, there are photographs depicting student social activities, sports, classroom instruction, fine arts performances, academic ceremonies, and research. This digital collection is only a fraction of the Archives’ 40,000+ images. To see more images, please visit us in the Grand Reading Room.
University Record course catalogs. The University Record is the course catalog for the University of Florida. It contains information about UF’s history, courses and degree programs offered, and, in some earlier editions, directories of students. Faculty/staff directories can be found in many of the University Records, regardless of editions. Catalogs from 1905-06 through 2009-2010 can be found on UFDC. Graduate catalogs from 1989-present can be found on the Office of the Registrar’s Graduate catalog archives page, while Undergraduate catalogs from 1999-2000 to the present can be found on the Office of the Registrar’s Undergraduate catalog archives page.
Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future: The University of Florida, 1853-2003. By Carl Van Ness and Kevin McCarthy. Written for UF’s 150th anniversary celebration, this book provides an excellent overview of UF history from 1853-2003, covering major milestones in campus history.
University of Florida Commencement Programs. Digitization of these Commencement Programs is underway, starting with the most recent and working backwards; check back often as new volumes are added once digitized. The collection will include all existing copies of undergraduate and graduate Commencement programs from the early 1900s to present. NOTE: This is not an official graduation list. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy in this commencement program, printing deadlines may result in omission of some names or use of names of some persons not completing graduations requirements as intended. This printed program, therefore, should not be used to determine a student’s academic or degree status. The university’s official registry for conferral of degrees is the student’s permanent academic record as reflected on the student’s transcript, maintained by the Office of the University Registrar.