The history of The Open University
Presentation by
Rachel Garnham
History of The Open University Project Manager
The History of the OU Project
• Three-year project initiated by the ViceChancellor’s Executive to write a new
history of The Open University.
• Concentrating on impact - on students and
their families, and across wider society.
• More than a book - an integrated
presentation across multiple media
What’s the relevance?
History of The Open University
• Founded in 1969
• Historical context
– Increasing interest in using
new technology (i.e. TV) for
education
– An expectation of state
provision of expanded
access to higher education
– A need for economic
competitiveness,
particularly in the context of
the ‘Cold War’.
History of The Open University
Key individuals:
• Harold Wilson, Labour
Prime Minister,1964-1970
• Jennie Lee, Minister
responsible, reporting
directly to PM
• Walter Perry, First ViceChancellor
• Lord Crowther, First
Chancellor
History of The Open University
• Open to people
• Open to places
• Open to methods
• Open to ideas
History of OUSA
•
1969: Royal Charter makes provision for an
‘organisation of students’
•
1972: OU Council agrees constitution, first
president Millie Marsland elected.
•
1973: Student Hardship fund established –
forerunner of OUSET
•
1975: Conference becomes governing body; First
Open Day organised
•
1977: Student membership becomes automatic;
Student representation on OU boards/committees
achieved; Harold Wilson addresses conference
History of OUSA
Successful campaigns within and outside the OU:
•
1980: Torch of Education Campaign climaxes with Rally in
Trafalgar Square.
•
1984: Defend the OU campaign mounted, 160,000 Petition
delivered to 10 Downing Street
•
1987: Campaign to abolish compulsory second Foundation
course successful
•
1993: Campaign for BSc successful
•
1998: Campaign for Disabled Student Allowance for part–
time students successful; student access to OU Library
introduced online
•
2001: First students receive named degrees following
successful campaign
What are our sources?
•
•
•
•
University archive
– Based in the University Library
– Contains more than 25,000 images
– Serials archive of OU publications
– All course materials ever published
– OU TV programmes
– Special collections e.g. Jennie Lee and
Walter Perry
– Oral History collection – over 70 interviews
recorded in 2009
OUSA archive – substantial and well-organised
External archives e.g. Public Record Office, BBC
YOU
What we need from you…
• Your testimony can enlarge,
enrich and restructure history
by supplementing and
potentially correcting other
sources.
• A single perspective can
illustrate social and historical
developments and add
human context.
• Ensure that your voice is
heard, and know that you
have made a contribution to
telling the story of The Open
University.
Add your story!
• Visit www.open.ac.uk/historyoftheou
• For more information:
history-of-the-ou@open.ac.uk
• University Archive:
library-archive@open.ac.uk
• Join the debate on our blog:
http://www.open.ac.uk/blogs/History-of-the-OU/