Accession - UAA-2006-209

The University of Alberta's first academic session commenced in 1908, with personnel matters being dealt with by the President (Dr. Tory) on an individual basis. Later, matters were generally referred to the appropriate Dean, who would pass the information to the President. During the 1940's the Bursar assumed responsibility for dealing with matters related to non-academic staff. In 1957, Murray Cooke was appointed as the first Personnel Officer, and the Personnel Office was considered a separate administrative unit within the Bursar's Office. During the early 1960's, Cooke began to develop and formalize university policies of employment for non-academic staff. In 1967, the Personnel Department was established as a separate administrative unit. In 1971, the Board of Governors and NASA signed an Agreement, formally recognizing NASA as sole bargaining agent for regular non-academic employees. During the 1970's five divisions were established: Wage and Salary Administration (1974), Systems and Records (1976), Employment Services (1977), Employee Relations (1977), and Occupational Health and Safety (1977). In 1980, the Training and Development division was established. With the exception of a brief period during 1983/1984, the responsibilities for Occupational Health and Safety have been split between the Director of Personnel, Director of Physical Plant, the Radiation Control Committee and the Biosafety Committee. In the fall of 1985, the Equal Opportunity Unit was established.

Personnel Officers: 1957-1967 Murray Stewart Cooke.

Directors: 1967-1976 Murray Stewart Cooke; 1976- Brian Caunt.